Plug-In Vehicle Acceptance and Probable Utilization Behaviour

This paper presents a study undertaken to understand the plug-in vehicle acceptance and probable utilization behaviour in terms of charging habits and utility factor (probability of driving in electrical mode). A survey was designed to be answered via World Wide Web, throughout 3 months and only accessible to Portuguese inhabitants. The survey was composed by biographical and car ownership info, mobility patterns, awareness toward plug-in vehicle technologies, price premium and, finally, potential buyer’s attitudes regarding charging vehicles with electricity from the grid. An explanation of how each vehicle technology works in the case of a regular hybrid (HEV), a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a pure electric vehicle (EV) was provided. A total sample of 809 volunteers answered the survey, aged above 18 years old, 50% male and 50% female. The results allowed the estimation of the typical daily driving distance, the Utility Factor curve for plug-in hybrid future users, the charging preferences for future users of pure electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles and the necessary feebates to promote the market penetration of such technologies. Other correlations were also analyzed between driving patterns, type of owned car, price premium and the willingness to buy pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The main policy implications are that an increase of awareness campaigns is necessary if the government intends to support the plug-in electric vehicle technology widespread and a minimum of 5000 € investment per ton of avoided CO2 will be necessary in a year.

Intervention in the Loneliness of the Elderly What Strategies, Challenges and Rewards？

The new challenges that the phenomenon of demographic aging imposes on society in general, and health services in particular, can impact active and healthy aging. The project was implemented for two years （2012/2013） and aimed to combat loneliness in the elderly, which constitutes an obstacle to healthy and active aging. Decrease the sense of loneliness of individuals from 65 to 84 years of age, the project was made by using the health planning methodology, starting with a descriptive study （health diagnosis of the independent elderly population） followed by the development, implementation and evaluation of a community intervention project, which included home visits to the elderly, assessment of the level of loneliness in two different times （UCLA scale） and various intergenerational activities of social life （dancing, walking, online courses, games...） using a cross-section of partnerships and community involvement. There was a decrease from 62.8% to 41.9% in the reported overall feeling of loneliness of independent individuals between the ages of 65 and 84 years of age. There was an increase from 50.0% to 86.4% of seniors who now have dreams/life projects. The reduction of social and emotional isolation resulted in the promotion of social networks, which not only encouraged social interaction but also considered the elderly who live alone. The health gains arising from it are evidenced in contributing more proactively and the improvement of the quality of life in the elderly community.