Group items tagged

"n summary: the dtlater exploration showed a lot of action in the field of social technology and later life, but also suggested that more could be achieved through great cooperation. As a next step we are going to experiment with some active social reporting and network building to try and show how that might be possible. It's an adhoc initiative by the team who have now completed the first phase of work."

As part of its ongoing open consultation, Nominet Trust brought together a group of experts this past week to think about how technology might be used to realise new opportunities - and address the persistent challenges such as social isolation, access to adequate care and pensioner poverty - facing people in later life. We weren't looking at how adding digital might make existing services more cost-effective or efficient; nor were we seeking specific solutions. Instead we were hoping to define some areas that would benefit from social innovation with technology.

"This page is a listing of ideas contributed in advance of the 23 October 2012 meeting at the RSA. It has been 'scraped' by Conrad Taylor from the projects online social space and from the group's open Google Doc; plus some ideas added later by Conrad himself."

"his design study looks at how social networking technology can better support older people in maintaining connections to the individuals and groups that mean the most to them. People over 60 tend to use the internet in different ways to younger people and most current social networking sites offer little incentive for them to engage. An older person is more likely to use the internet for information rather than social communication or entertainment, currently the primary focus of many sites."

the potential of technology to help older people renew or develop social contacts and to actively engage in their communities

"Anyone who knows me, will know I am a gizmo diva. I love my gadgets. I find this amazing as I am useless at DIY and lack the desire and motivation to change the status quo. I consider myself a people person and the digital world enables me to connect with people all over the world. As I grow older (I am already of an age where I am described as a 'pensioner' Oh, how I hate labels!) I have come to the conclusion that my world will shrink and when that happens, my digital products will provide a lifeline for staying in touch with people wherever they are as well as maintaining my independence by shopping online etc."

"Sus-IT is a research project funded by the New Dynamics of Ageing (NDA) initiative, the largest research programme on ageing ever mounted in the UK. Research under the New Dynamics of Ageing programme will impact on policy decisions and scientific, technology and design choices that will make sure that older people will enjoy better quality lives. Here you can find out more about what our research involves, read our publications and find out how you can participate in our research."

"This post follows on from my last one about setting up an ipad for my father-in-law who is a stroke survivor (so will make more sense if you read that first).  I received some lovely good wishes and interest so I wanted to provide an update."

"Two thirds of UK adults surf the web every day, but 5.4 million Brits over the age of 65 have never ever logged on.That's the finding of a new campaign launched by Age UK - formerly Age Concern - called iTea and Biscuits Week, which aims to offer easy-to-use advice to get older people online."

"U3A Online courses are short courses specially designed for older people and available through a partnership between Third Age Trust (the UK national U3A organisation) and the U3A Online Inc.(based in Australia). These are courses for which no entry qualifications are required. They offer no credit on completion and are designed purely for personal interest and enjoyment.  They have been written by volunteers who are experienced tutors or course leaders in their fields.  These courses are aimed at U3A members, ex-U3A members who are no longer able to attend a U3A, and those unable to access conventional courses for one reason or another (e.g. restricted mobility, disability, etc)."

"I thought I'd share a few of my experiences of introducing and teaching older people how to use computers in my role as a team leader in the Computer Classes section at Age UK Knowsley & West Mersey. I hope it will be of use to some of you, and please feel free to add some tips of your own."

"Someone tell us something we don't know. Like, how are we going to get the less digitally confident, and the people who'd like to go online but who are still trepidacious, whizzing around the net with panache and aplomb, saving money, having choice, wielding civic powers, keeping mentally alert, feeling less lonely and isolated? That seems to me to be, still (and with the advent of universal credit which will only be delivered online, increasingly so) the most pressing question. And not least because unless it can be achieved, the fabled and miraculous cost saving efficiencies that online promises a heavily indebted government are but (non digital) pie in the sky."

"But the other thing we have to remember is that there's probably little value in telling people that the internet is good for them. In a sense, this is where the government's Digital by Default strategy is flawed: people feel a bit bullied, they think it's about saving money (which it is) and why should they put themselves out for that? We would be better off thinking about why young people go on the internet. It isn't primarily because the health service needs them to, or even for price comparisons, cheap deals and easy banking. It's because the internet offers the things they love: music, relationships, the chance to make each other laugh. We would say this, of course, but at Gransnet we think we're an attractor for older people online: we offer something that gives older people real pleasure. But with the internet currently designed primarily by 23 year-olds for 23 year-olds, there still isn't enough really compelling content for older people, designed by the over-50s for the over-50s"

"My Last Song features a Lifebox to store the important details of your life; advice on farewell music; and advice on end of life issues."

"Get Involved At Spots of Time we want to make it really easy for you to give a spot of your time to make a diference near you.  So just click an activity below that you like the look of - choose a time, date and location that works for you - and book it Giving time with us is completely flexible - you don't have to make a long term commitment or have a CRB check (though we're happy to help you do this if you'd like to), and you can even invite friends to join you on facebook, twitter or by email.  We'll confirm your placement by email and send you the details you need to take part. "

"We hope you enjoy this webcam recording of this week's podcast, featuring regular presenters Stuart Arnott from Mindings and Shirley Ayres, and this week's special guest, Murtz Abidi from Casserole Club."

"This web site is designed to be a supportive online community for the over 60s to keep in touch. Its focus is on interaction - with family, friends, each other and through interest groups. This website is easy-to-use and members want to be part of a 'virtual' friendly, caring and supportive community."

"Casserole helps people share extra portions of home cooked food with others in their area who might not always be able to cook for themselves. For those who aren't on the internet, Casserole helps those who are offline to order meals, connect and pair up with local people - In fact most of the diners we have registered we've met personally and support through phone and text. "

"nef's 'Five ways to well-being': nef 's centre for well-being has developed a set of five evidence-based actions that, if practised regularly, can improve personal well-being. Connect With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day. Be Active Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy; one that suits your level of mobility and fitness. Take Notice Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are on a train, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you. Keep Learning Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident, as well as being fun to do. Give Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and will create connections with the people around you.

"As cheque books are phased out, pensioners who believe in "real money" are more and more likely to carry cash, with all the security risks that this involves. Special rates for on-line payments (including the escalating fuel bills) are penalising older customers financially, and I'd argue equally importantly, in unnecessary loss of independence. Anyway, I asked Mum what SHE thinks. These are her words, typed up on her computer  (no, she doesn't tell you that bit!) but she had forgotten how to "save" it and gave it to me printed out…."