The research paper “Digital Transformation in Elderly Care: A Factor Analysis of Communication and Emotional Support in Smart Cities” by Jelena Lučan, Suzanne Mežnarec-Novosel, and David Bogataj was successfully accepted to the international MED 2026 conference in Ancona.
The research focuses on the importance of digital transformation in long-term care and examines how smart cities and technological solutions can improve communication between residents of nursing homes and their family members. The findings show that maintaining good relationships depends not only on how often people talk or see each other, but above all on the quality of communication – the sense of closeness, understanding, and emotional support. Digital tools can help significantly in this regard, but only if they complement human contact rather than replace it.
The acceptance of the paper at a prestigious international conference represents important recognition of research work in the field of digital transformation of elderly care and confirms the relevance of research seeking solutions to the challenges of an ageing society.
Visit to one of Europe’s leading centres for ageing research
Participation in the conference was also an opportunity to establish new professional connections. Dr. Suzanne Mežnarec-Novosel visited the renowned Italian research institute INRCA – Istituto Nazionale di Riposo e Cura per Anziani , one of Europe’s leading centres for geriatrics, gerontology, and ageing research. Getting to know their research environment and exchanging experiences open up possibilities for further international cooperation in the fields of ageing, long-term care, and the development of innovative solutions for a better quality of life for older people.
The MED 2026 conference also offered researchers space for informal socialising and the exchange of ideas. During the organised accompanying programme, participants continued discussions on future research challenges while sailing along the coast of the resorts of Sirolo and Numana, and strengthened international connections that are an important part of successful research cooperation.
The paper addresses the role of digital transformation and smart cities in improving the quality of life of older people in institutional care. The research emphasises that in communication between nursing home residents and their relatives, not only the frequency of contact is important, but above all its quality, emotional support, and sense of connectedness. Digital solutions must therefore support human relationships rather than replace them.
Participation in the conference also represented an opportunity for international networking and the exchange of research experience. On this occasion, Dr. Suzanne Mežnarec-Novosel also visited the Italian research institute INRCA, one of Europe’s leading centres for geriatrics, gerontology, and ageing research. The visit opens up possibilities for further cooperation in the fields of ageing, long-term care, and the development of innovative solutions for a better quality of life for older people.
