An introduction to Godalming Town Council Town Meeting Godalming 14 th April 2011 © DropBy 2010

An introduction to

www.DropBy.co.ukGodalming Town Council

Town Meeting

Godalming

14th April 2011

© DropBy 2010

All about keeping older people in touchEasy to use video linkSafe and secureSimple to useEncourages establishment of interest

groups, blogs and other interactions

• Funded by the Founder – a Social Enterprise

• Funding awarded from Facilis and Interreg IVB NWE to develop an online Medicine Room – launches next week

• Objective for site to become self-funding from suitable, vetted, advertising

• Fun with a more serious social potential

• 24/7 communication to Members - Care Homes, Carers, Residents, those living alone

• Secure Group for Care Homes, families, community groups

• Interaction between Groups and individuals

Anticipated Early Market Segmentation

Community Centres

Forums

Care Homes

Faith Centres

Technolog on msnbc.com Article August 2010 by Suzanne Choney

Social networking use by Internet users ages 50 and older nearly doubled in the past year

going from 22 percent in April 2009 to 42 percent in May 2010

according to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project’s new report, "Older Adults and Social Media."

What happens in America today happens here tomorrow!

Daily Mail 14th April 2011• Social networks keep older brains active• Better memories• Reduced anxiety, stress and depression• Keeps the culture of curiosity alive• Contact with younger family members

Research by Marco Trabucchi of the Association of Psychogeriatrics - Italy

"One of the main reasons for older adults' increased interest and use of social networking sites: They know Facebook and Twitter are where their

kids and grandkids are spending time, and it’s a way to ‘bridge generational gaps’."

“Social Networking is generally seen as a teen activity but within the last few years there has been a surge in the number of older users joining social networking sites. The main reason is simply connecting with old friends or just the family.

There are a number of ways the internet can aid the elderly, but access to their families as well as many commercial services, are the most useful.”

Long term objective to provide 24/7 online support Using existing / leading edge technology No one need feel isolated or alone again Prolonging independent living

Supports important aims -Intergenerational involvement / Digital inclusion / Partner in Race Online 2012