Amsterdam Opens SmartHouse Experience to Inspire Healthier Ageing at IAGG World Congress

On 6 and 7 July, a dedicated space will be created at ROC van Amsterdam-Flevoland, located at Europaboulevard 13, showcasing how technology can contribute to healthy and active ageing © RAI Amsterdam

Population ageing is one of the defining societal challenges of our time, and Amsterdam is already preparing for its impact. During the IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, residents will have the opportunity to explore practical solutions through the temporary SmartHouse Experience, an interactive showcase demonstrating how technology can support healthier, more active and independent living as people age.

Visitors will also be able to take part in a unique ageing simulation, meeting their "older self" through immersive experiences designed to encourage earlier thinking about healthy ageing.

The IAGG World Congress takes place from 5 to 8 July at RAI Amsterdam. Organised by the Dutch Society for Gerontology, the Netherlands Clinical Geriatrics Society, the Professional organisation of Nurse Practitioners in Geriatrics and Gerontology, and Congress Care, the event aims to raise awareness of healthy ageing at a time when demographic change is reshaping cities across the world.

According to research by the Municipality of Amsterdam, the city's older population is set to grow rapidly over the coming decades. By 2050, nearly 20 per cent of Amsterdam residents are expected to be aged 65 or older, while the number of people aged between 75 and 84 is projected to increase by 56 per cent. At the same time, more older adults are living independently for longer, often alone, with 60 per cent of residents aged 65 and over living in homes with stairs or other physical barriers.

Amsterdam has been actively addressing these challenges since joining the WHO Age-Friendly Cities network in 2015, working towards becoming a city where people can grow older in comfort, good health and with continued independence.

Bringing science into everyday life

“At the IAGG Congress, the central question is: how can we ensure that people live longer, healthier, more active and independent lives in their own neighbourhood or city?” says Dr Geeske Peeters, senior researcher at Radboudumc and involved in the congress. “Healthy ageing is not only about preventing illness, but also about maintaining quality of life, independence and social connection. By bringing together science, practice and innovation, we can inspire people to take steps today towards their health tomorrow.”

Alongside the scientific programme, amsterdam&partners has developed the public impact programme Ageing independently in your own environment together with healthcare, knowledge and community partners. Designed to extend the congress beyond its venue, the initiative connects international expertise with local communities through a series of public activities around RAI Amsterdam.

“Having the global leaders in gerontology here gives Amsterdam the opportunity to exchange knowledge, build new partnerships and further strengthen our approach to healthy and independent ageing,” says Dennis Speet, Managing Director of the Amsterdam Convention Bureau at amsterdam&partners. “Through four public activities in the impact programme around the RAI, we ensure that this knowledge does not remain within the walls of the congress, but becomes directly accessible to Amsterdam residents.”

amsterdam&partners is a public-private foundation committed to a liveable, attractive, prosperous, sustainable and inclusive Amsterdam metropolitan area. The organisation achieves this by connecting stakeholders, sharing expertise and telling the city's story. The Amsterdam Convention Bureau is part of amsterdam&partners, supporting international congresses and business events in Amsterdam and focusing on events that deliver lasting social and economic value for the city and its sectors.
 

During the IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, the Smarthouse Experience and an ageing experiment will be open to visitors at RAI Amsterdam. Visitors can explore how technology helps people remain healthy, active and independent for longer, and even meet their ‘older self’. For example, it is possible to dance while wearing an ageing suit © RAI Amsterdam

Technology, movement and meeting your future self

On 6 and 7 July, ROC van Amsterdam-Flevoland (Europaboulevard 13) will host the SmartHouse Experience, offering visitors an interactive introduction to innovations that support healthy ageing and independent living.

The exhibition features a range of healthcare and wellbeing technologies, including gaming-based physical exercise, as well as systems using light, sound and music to encourage movement. Together, these innovations demonstrate how technology is helping both older adults and the next generation of healthcare professionals promote healthier, more active lives.

On 7 July, Leyden Academy will invite visitors to experience ageing in a different way. Taking place outside Entrance C of RAI Amsterdam, the activity allows participants to visualise their future appearance using an ageing filter, estimate their life expectancy and even dance while wearing an ageing suit, offering a hands-on perspective on the physical effects of growing older.

RAI Amsterdam is an international event and conference organisation. Since 1893, RAI Amsterdam has brought people together, connecting and inspiring them by organising and facilitating meaningful encounters. Whether it concerns a public event, a large conference, an international trade show, a dance event or a theatre performance. In 2025, nearly one and a half million visitors found their way to RAI Amsterdam. Last year, the RAI also won the Silver Award for ‘Exhibition Venue of the Year’ at the Exhibition News (EN) Awards 2025, the ‘Oscars’ of the exhibition industry. Visitors to RAI Amsterdam spend approximately €200 million annually in the city on hotels, taxis, public transport, hospitality and retail.

Stories of ageing and inclusion

The public programme also includes a film by the Amsterdam City Reporters, highlighting social initiatives that strengthen neighbourhood communities across the city.

Visitors can also explore Oudroze, an exhibition by Ernst Coppejans that celebrates the first openly LGBTI+ generations while encouraging conversations about visibility, ageing and inclusion.

The 23rd edition of the IAGG World Congress brings together more than 3,000 scientists, healthcare professionals and policymakers from around the world to exchange knowledge and develop solutions for the opportunities and challenges of an ageing society.
 

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