ERABRDIGE PROJECT
Empower, Connect, Thrive
INTRO
Facing the Digital Divide
The digital divide. It's not just about cold statistics; it’s about real people facing real challenges. Studies show that over 20% of New Zealanders aged 65 and up are not digitally connected, leaving tens of thousands isolated from the growing digital world. In a nation where one in four seniors has never used a smartphone, and one in three finds online banking a hurdle, the need to address this technological divide is more pressing than ever.
Recognizing the Overlooked
The Elders, between the ages of 65 to 75, stand at a crucial juncture. As the digital economy is projected to contribute over $21 billion to our GDP, their ability to participate is being overshadowed by a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Fears of making mistakes and overwhelming interfaces have left many feeling left out and struggling to adapt in a world that doesn’t seem to have a place for them. With the current economic climate, many retirees are finding themselves needing to re-enter the workforce, simply to sustain a standard of living.
ERABRIDGE
So, I bring to you EraBridge – a twofold solution involving an offline space for teaching and interaction, and an online app for connection and communication. These platforms will work hand in hand to empower Elders.
EraBridge Space: Community and Interaction
Our offline EraBridge Space is designed to help seniors take that first crucial step in digital learning. It's where they can engage with interactive modules, collaborate with students, and regain the skills needed for employment in a space brimming with intergenerational communication and shared well-being.
EraBridge App: Your Personal Guide
The EraBridge App acts as a digital lighthouse. It’s a platform built on personalised learning, where users, through initial offline instruction, learn the basics and then use the app to engage more deeply with our project. Regular updates about workshops and a forum for exchanging ideas with the younger generation are just at their fingertips.
For instance:
Take Steve, a 68-year-old retired interior designer who’s unfamiliar with modern design software. EraBridge's app and space will provide him with the courses he needs to learn the latest software. Through the app, he can connect with a buddy, collaborate with young designers, and refresh his professional skills, allowing him to re-enter the industry he loves and continue his career.
Our Commitment to Digital Inclusion
EraBridge is about bridging divides, yes, but more than that, it’s about opening doors to a society where, by 2030, one in five will be over 65 – a society where everyone can confidently live in a digital world.
Let's join hands to create an inclusive digital future, a future where each senior can find their place.
THANK YOU
