Technology connects - ways out of loneliness in old age

How can technology help to overcome loneliness in old age and enable social participation? What conditions are needed for it to really be used? Where are the hurdles, doubts and concerns?

Participants will gain an insight into how technology can reduce loneliness in old age. Current examples - from video telephony to digital meeting places - will be presented and experiences, wishes and ideas will be discussed together. The aim of the event is to understand technology not as a substitute, but as a meaningful addition to human encounters and to jointly develop ways in which it can connect older people instead of isolating them.

Procedure

In the first part of the event, there will be reviews and current information: Susanne Werner from the Görlitz Family Office will present the results of the survey from the last event at the Görlitz District Office. The participants will then receive practical contributions about technology consultation hours and individual experiences as a technology ambassador for the district of Görlitz as well as other exciting insights into digital participation.

In the second part, guests can look forward to an interactive discovery session in which useful apps for everyday life in old age that promote participation will be presented. This will be followed by a presentation of selected technologies such as Alexa and the Enna tablet. To round off the degree, from 12:40 p. m. there will be an opportunity to exchange ideas over lunch and end the morning in a convivial atmosphere.

The event will also include contributions from the research projects VATI6a study on the use of technology in old age. The outlook for the future will be shaped by the presentation of the Practice Research Center Görlitz by Thomas Graf and Katharina Schneider (HSZG), which will develop into a central information and contact point for people in need of care, carers and other stakeholders.

Interested citizens, especially senior citizens, informal and professional caregivers and other stakeholders from science, care, social work, civil society, politics and technology development are invited.

The event offers plenty of space for exchange and discussion about challenges and doubts, but also opportunities and wishes for technology in old age.

So that technology in old age does not divide, but connects!