[Assistance systems for the elderly: the SmartSenior project].

Demographic change is posing an enormous challenge for societies in industrialized countries: the number of elderly and chronically ill is on the rise, whereas the number of people in the work force is declining. Assistive technology can be an important factor in this process and will help to alleviate shortcomings of the present system. The following example of the joint research program "SmartSenior", which began in mid 2009, shows the stakeholders, challenges, and future trends of assistive technology for the elderly. There is potential for the application of modern technology in three areas: in the training of senior citizens' abilities and skills, in supporting the activities of daily life, and in the continuous monitoring of vital functions.