A number of ‘smart homes’ with digitally savvy older people demonstrating tech in their own homes are being created as part of an innovative scheme to boost the nation’s digital skills.
The homes, to be created in rural West Essex by a partnership led by Uttlesford Council for Voluntary Service, will see home owners become trained ‘digital boomers’ to help others improve their digital skills. They will receive a digital assessment, before having their homes ‘kitted out’ in tech.
The experts will then open their homes for older people to visit so they can learn first-hand from their peers how to make the most of smart technology to control household appliances, book GP appointments online, contact friends and family by video, and shop online.
The scheme is one of three to be given a share of £400,000 by the DCMS to improve older and disabled people’s lives through the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund.
The fund will also see an app created by the Down’s Syndrome Association to allow people with Down’s Syndrome to monitor their weight and exercise levels from their smartphones to promote good health and wellbeing.
“We are committed to improving the digital skills of people of all ages and abilities so everyone can enjoy the benefits of modern technology,” said Minister for Digital, Margot James.
“These innovative projects will not only help some of the hardest to reach people live healthier and happier lives but also boost our mission to make the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a digital businesses.”