The rising number of the ageing population has a huge impact on our society. In 2025 it is expected that approximately 1/3 of the European citizens will be above 60 years old. The vast growth will be within the 80+ group. In 2013, 15% of all citizens in The Netherlands were 65+ and has been said to rise to 17% over the next 5 years. The baby-boom generation has been retiring aas from 2011 causing the number of 70+ to rise with 90.000 and the number of 80+ with 80.000. This being said, the Dutch healthcare system has to change and adapt. The focus will be on living at home longer, the support of healthcare technology and the support system will play an even more important role in the care for the ageing population.
Acknowledging this development and the importance of research within this, the faculty of Design Engineering has set up the DIfA.
Aims
The DIfA is a working group within the section Applied Ergonomics & Design (AED), made up of different members with diverse backgrounds. It focuses on research concerning the ageing population, with a specialisation in falls prevention. DIfA aims to further develop and showcase (design) research on the ageing population, integrate ageing into education and share knowledge by:
• Creating oversight of the research on the ageing population within the faculty Industrial Design Engineering (DIfA website)
• Writing proposals for and participating in European calls
• Strengthening the connection between research and education
• Scaling up
Mission
The DIfA has the following mission:
Design Innovation for Ageing aims to contribute substantially to supporting and reinforcing the reduced physical and mental capacities of older people by applying groundbreaking, innovative Design Inclusive Engineering methods
Activities include the DIfA website, writing papers and proposals and contributing to the Delft University of Technology as a partner or member in (European) programs or initiatives concerning ageing. Members of the DIfA are for example active in Epposi (self-care and eHealth) and the EIP AHA (action groups A2 - falls prevention and B3 - integrated care).
 | Prof. dr. T.J.M. van der Cammen (Tischa) Professor Autonomous Ageing Industrial Design, section Applied Ergonomics and Design
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 | Prof.dr.ir. R.H.M. Goossens (Richard) Professor of Physical Ergonomics Coordinator Healthcare Program
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 | Dr. J.F.M. Molenbroek (Johan) Associate Professor Applied Ergonomics
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 | A. Albayrak (Armagan), MSc Assistant Professor Applied Ergonomics & Design
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 | Dr. S.U. Boess (Stella) Assistant Professor Design for Interaction
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 | Corline Brouwers Postdoc Researcher HiPP Applied Ergonomics & Design
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 | Merel Verwaal MSc student Strategic Product Design
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