GOGOA at the International “Care Economy and Silver Economy” Forum in Gijón

GOGOA’s stand at the International “Care Economy and Silver Economy” Forum in Gijón

GOGOA at the International “Care Economy and Silver Economy” Forum in Gijón

GOGOA took part on 3 and 4 December in the International “Care Economy and Silver Economy” Forum, held at the Luis Adaro Trade Fair and Conference Centre in Gijón and organised by CECOEC, the laboratory created to develop the Centre of Competence for Long-Term Care and Active Ageing.

The forum brought together public authorities, companies, third-sector organisations and international experts to examine how the care economy and the silver economy can become a genuine driver of sustainable social and economic development

A reference forum for the care economy

The Forum unfolded over two full days, combining high-level keynote addresses, panel discussions and the presentation of best practices. Among other topics, it addressed:

• The role of artificial intelligence in the care economy.

• The European Care Strategy and international long-term care policies.

• The vision and models of various autonomous communities, including Asturias, Navarre, Castilla-La Mancha, Galicia and the Basque Country.

• Innovative projects focused on healthy ageing, person-centred care and the fight against unwanted loneliness.

  
  

With around 400 registered participants, the event confirmed the growing interest in solutions that bring together technology, public policy and advanced care models to respond to the challenges of ageing and chronic conditions.

GOGOA’s own stand: HELK and the group’s technology ecosystem

GOGOA was present in the exhibition area with its own stand, alongside companies and organisations specialising in health, social services, technology and long-term care.

At the stand, GOGOA presented HELK, the ergonomic exoskeleton designed to provide lumbar support in physically demanding tasks, particularly within social and healthcare settings. HELK is conceived for professionals who repeatedly perform activities such as moving and transferring people, lifting loads and maintaining awkward postures, helping to reduce strain on the lower back and the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

In addition to HELK, the GOGOA team showcased other solutions developed by the group based on medical and industrial exoskeletons, as well as specific proposals for:

• Residential and day-care centres.

• Home-care services.

• Hospitals and rehabilitation units.

Interaction with professionals and organisations was constant throughout the two days, with particular interest in the impact of exoskeletons on carers’ occupational health and on the overall quality of care.

Institutional relations and the forging of alliances

GOGOA together with Marta del Arco, Regional Minister for Social Rights and Well-being of the Principality of Asturias, and Félix Baragaño, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Gijón, during the International “Care Economy and Silver Economy” Forum.

The Forum also provided an excellent setting in which to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in the Asturian care ecosystem.

During the event, GOGOA representatives held direct discussions with:

• Marta del Arco Fernández, Regional Minister for Social Rights and Well-being of the Principality of Asturias, responsible for driving the CuidAs model and the region’s long-term care strategy.

• Félix Baragaño, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Gijón, an institution closely involved in economic development linked to the silver economy in the region.

These conversations open the door to potential pilot projects and collaborations aimed at:

• Integrating GOGOA exoskeletons into occupational risk-prevention programmes in social and healthcare centres.

• Assessing the impact of HELK and other technologies in reducing musculoskeletal sick leave.

• Developing structured training pathways for care professionals in the safe and effective use of exoskeletons.

Media visibility: presence on the Radiotelevisión del Principado de Asturias

GOGOA’s participation in the Forum also attracted media attention. The team was interviewed by Radiotelevisión del Principado de Asturias (RTPA) on the “Noticias 1” news bulletin on TPA a la carta, where the role of exoskeletons in protecting the health of care professionals and improving the quality of care was highlighted.

This coverage helps to raise awareness of exoskeleton technology as a real, already available tool for addressing the challenge of population ageing and the increasing pressure on care systems.

Care economy and silver economy: a strategic pillar for GOGOA

The care economy and the silver economy are rapidly consolidating as two of the most decisive drivers of transformation for the coming years. The Gijón Forum has reinforced several key ideas:

• The need to professionalise and dignify care work.

• The importance of technological innovation in delivering sustainable, safe and person-centred care.

• The fundamental role of public–private collaboration in scaling up solutions.

Within this context, GOGOA’s value proposition aligns closely with these priorities:

• HELK directly contributes to reducing the physical strain endured by social and healthcare staff.

• Rehabilitation exoskeletons foster functional recovery and autonomy for people with mobility limitations.

• GOGOA’s industrial solutions help to extend a culture of musculoskeletal injury prevention across multiple sectors.

Next steps

Following the International “Care Economy and Silver Economy” Forum, GOGOA will continue to work along three principal lines:

1. Institutional collaborations with public authorities and chambers of commerce to develop pilots in real-world settings.

2. Impact evaluation, objectively measuring outcomes in terms of reduced injuries, lower absenteeism and improved quality of care.

3. Dissemination and training, supporting organisations in the adoption of exoskeletons through structured, high-quality training programmes.

GOGOA wishes to thank the organisers of the Forum and all participating institutions for the opportunity to share solutions and a forward-looking vision.

Our objective remains unequivocal: to place exoskeleton technology at the service of people and of those who care for them, contributing to a safer, more efficient and more sustainable model of care.