Co-creation in the Centre for Smart Ageing, Kerry
On 9 March, ADAPT and the Centre for Smart Ageing in Kerry hosted a co-creation workshop on the topic of technology and its role in supporting and active an healthy lifestyle as we grow older. Participants explored Smart Healthy Ageing through small group discussions. The perspectives shared during the event will be considered when developing content for an upcoming Citizens’ Think-In on the Smart Ageing to be held in Kerry in May.
The interactive discussion event began with a presentation from Dr Damon Berry (ADAPT, TU Dublin) about Hands-On SHAFE.
Hands-on SHAFE is a project that aims to deliver informal learning experiences and hands-on tools to implement Smart and Healthy Built environments or to develop Business in this area.
Small group discussions were facilitated by Dr Dympna O’Sullivan (ADAPT, TU Dublin), Abdullahi Abubakar Kawu (ADAPT, TU Dublin), Luke Quinlan (Centre for Engaged Research, DCU) and Dr Emma Clarke (ADAPT, DCU).
Participants in the workshop were asked to consider four key questions including:
- How can mobile technology / wearable technology /smart home technology be used to support healthy ageing?
- What are the challenges/barriers to using these types of technologies?
A summary of the key points communicated the group at the co-creation workshop includes:
- The main types of technology people are familiar with are mobile phones, smart watches, smart speakers like Alexa, and video call platforms like Zoom
- Education about technology is key, especially as we grow older
- Education needs to be done in an easy, manageable and recognisable way
- Human connection is very important when it comes to using and learning about technology
- Security is very important. Especially when it comes to things like personal information like bank details or health information
- It becomes harder to keep up with the development of technology as you get older. Referring to terms like ‘the cloud’ and ‘cookies’ can sound like a different language.
About the Centre for Smart Ageing
Located in Farranfore, Co. Kerry, Centre for Smart Ageing is a space that brings together professionals who provide services & classes to help people improve their overall Health & Wellbeing. The Centre’s Digital Skills Lab bridges the gap between technological innovation & the ageing population. Through a monthly event the Centre focuses on building the digital skills of the community.
Find out more
Hands-On SHAFE website: https://hands-on-shafe.eu/en
Centre for Smart Ageing Website: https://www.smart-ageing.ie/
To register for the follow up event on 18 May, visit: https://bit.ly/SmartAgeing-ThinkIn
Main image comes from the Centre for Ageing Better’s Age-positive image library
It’s so important to get the perspectives of older adults when it comes to technology. 👩🏼💻👨🏻💻💻🖥️
— Centre for Smart Ageing – Ireland (@_SmartAgeing_) March 12, 2023
Thanks to Adapt @DiscussAI for choosing the Centre for Smart Ageing for this workshop. https://t.co/YubmTjHqeG
