A number of stimulation programmes and R&D projects for developments and dissemination are realised in Norway, such as:
National Centre for Telemedicine is the main responsible institution for development and dissemination of telecare applications in Norway. Large investments are put into developments, trials and applications in the area of supporting care professionals through ICT. This is particularly interesting in Norway, because distances between patients are large, carers are a scarce resource, and optimising care workers is of utmost importance.
Smart house implementations and remote home monitoring in BESTA Project (1993-96). a) As a result of this, hundreds of houses for older people are now being built all over the country with smart installations connected to alarm systems. An investigation about the outcomes and experiences is going on in 2001, funded by the Ministry of health and social affairs.
Internet for alle; WAI guidelines translated and adapted to Norwegian, 2001, mainly for handicapped people.
Internet for elderly, Association Seniornett Norge and web site www.seniornett.no.
Trials with multimedia applications for entertainment and culture of older people and learning material in computing and Internet for older people
"Demensforum", Internet support for relatives and carers of people with dementia. Pilot in 2001.
Several projects under Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine on home care technology. PDA-s for home carers, telemedicine video support for home carers, electronic journals updated on location.
Trials and recommendations regarding ATMs, telephones, smartcard usage, PCs
Norway has an important involvement in EU research, which in turn encourages national activities. A lack of awareness about the potentials of ICT for elderly people is a constraining factor to initiate R&D and the government also gives priority to R&D for the disabled, not elderly users.