SEFAC

The major chronic diseases are the main cause of death and disability in Europe and

have a huge social and economic impact. Although they often strike the elderly, chronic diseases increasingly affect young and middle-aged people too, due mainly

to poor lifestyle choices. Some 40% of the total number of people who died from major

chronic diseases in 2012 were under the age of 70, for example, according to the

WHO. Projects like SEFAC (https://sefacproject.eu/) are created to help reduce this burden by making people more resilient to chronic disease.

The aim of SEFAC app is to support participants of the pilot sites to make lifestyle changes related to nutrition, exercise and physical activity, social interactions and stress management. Based on scientifically approved concepts, methodologies, tools drawn from research in the above fields and using evidence-based algorithms. The app is using a motivating and engaging Graphic Users Interface to allow end users to set personalized goals, create an action plan and step out of their comfort zone with respect to nutrition, exercise and physical activity, social interactions and stress management, thus achieving meaningful lifestyle changes that with the help of face to face support can be maintained.

Funded under the European Commission's 3rd Health Programme, SEFAC, the 'Social Engagement Framework for Addressing the Chronic-disease-challenge' takes a community approach to promote health and reducing the burden of chronic health.