| Scientists from the Department of Occupational Therapy have been awarded a prestigious EU Horizon 2020 grant (project ESSENCE) to co-lead an international research consortium developing an empathic platform to personally monitor, stimulate, enrich, and assist elders and children in their natural environment. Leading the project is Prof. Sara Rosenblum. She is joined by Prof. Naomi Josman, Associate Faculty Dean for the Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, and Dr. Sonya Meyer. Findings from Prof. Rosenblum’s most recent study, supported by ISF’s COVID-19 Research Fund, strongly suggested the need for a paradigm shift – from a focus on mortality rates to safeguarding healthy living. “Life during pandemics puts populations, such as the elderly and people with hidden disabilities, at risk for loneliness, low functioning, self-isolation, and depression,” explains Prof. Rosenblum. “The intervention we are designing aims to customize services that will help individuals improve their performance, sociability, and overall mental and physical wellbeing.” |
