QUESTION 

How can we engage the young and the old to help each other?

ANSWER

Street Share: Cross generation life learning

OVERVIEW

Group Orange identified that ageism and isolation is a vast and growing concern in the UK.   Baby boomers will be 65 this year and imminently there will be more elderly than young (under 18s) for the first time in human history.  The usual dilemma of ‘retiring’ being displaced by ‘inactivity and loneliness’ is just one of many problems that will span both the digital and physical spaces.

DIGITAL

The elderly have a lack of know-how regarding email, online communities, e-shopping, online banking, and other beneficial services that are part of everyday life for a younger demographic.  These are all things that Generation X and Y take for granted, but can be viewed as valuable knowledge and skills for the less tech-savvy.  The issues, on both sides, to overcome include access, stubbornness, and disengagement.   Group Orange set out a way for the ‘gap’ to be closed.

PHYSICAL

The ageing population still practice vanishing trades and have pastimes including: traditional arts and crafts, sewing, cooking, gardening, DIY, and a range of interesting activities that are ingrained in their social fabric. Through knowledge sharing, historical narratives, advice (both worldly and career) the elderly have a surplus of time and expertise to impart on the young.  Likewise, the mobile and young generation have their physical health, energy, and emerging technologies, and hobbies that may (and indeed may not always) interest and engage an older generation.

SOLUTION

Instead of an online matching service that operates on a model based on needs, skills, time and interests which was the instinctive solution – this project takes the platform to the street!  A place where the ageing can have full and easy access, and the young can have fun and learn in a non-traditional setting. It’s engagement through play, in a non-intrusive way.  Robert, 68, can set up his traditional photography booth with old cameras, films, and pictures of his life history – while across the way Jimmy, 15, sets up his ‘how to do a podcast in just 5-easy steps’.  Generations do what they consider in vogue, while out and about on the street.

HOW

Organizational Structure: Co-creating with participants and users.  A community made up of the ageing in pre-identified local area together with young community representatives.

Learn more about our work with UnLtd here