A total of 327 older people across Ireland were presented with special tablet devices as part of the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme. The initiative aims to reduce incidents of social isolation and introduce older people to a new world of technology and communication. The project is funded through the Sláintecare Integration Fund and delivered through Age Friendly Ireland.
A key function of the ‘Acorn Age Friendly Tablets’ is to help older people connect digitally by accessing information on services and local activities; staying in touch with family using video calls; booking online transport; using social media; accessing online library service including the HSE Healthy Ireland’s My Health resources on the tablet.
Through an existing a partnership between Age Friendly Ireland and HSE Healthy Ireland, a collaboration was formed for this project to develop and implement the My Health functionality of the tablet, features include:
- Free exercise videos led by health professionals
- Minding Your Wellbeing programmes
- Health promotion information around mental health
- Healthy eating, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption
As part of the programme, a free 2-hour workshop was hosted in collaboration with Longford County Council Origin Care Group and Healthy Ireland at Longford Library in May to demonstrate functionality of the Acorn Age Friendly Tablet, and specifically the My Health features on the device.
Sarah McCormack, HSE Healthy Ireland Lead said “We are delighted to work with Age Friendly Ireland on this project. In a world, which is becoming more technology driven, it is important that we support and encourage our older citizens in embracing the digital world. It is also an opportunity to promote relevant and evidence-based health and wellbeing information and content”.
Echoing Sarah’s comments, Mark Harrington, National Manager of the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme, who was also in attendance on the day, remarked “It is great to be involved in this collaborative and innovative project, which will help to improve the digital engagement, social inclusion and health and wellbeing of older people’’.
It is anticipated that the Acorn Tablet project will be rolled out to all 327 Healthy Age Friendly Homes over time.
For more information feel free to browse the website www.agefriendlyireland.ie or email [email protected]