A newly established company based on the principles of the new sharing economy scooped the overall winner of the first Smart Ageing Innovation Awards last night.
The Freebird Club was officially launched in 2017 as a social travel and homestay club exclusively for the over 50's. It is now developing as a global 'peer-to-peer' community, whereby Freebird Club members can travel and stay with each other in the context of a trusted social membership club.
By creating an authentic community of travellers and hosts, based on the principles of the new 'sharing economy', the Freebird Club opens up a whole new world of social travelling for mature adults, a new way of generating income in later life and a fun and accessible way to meet new people and enjoy social and cultural interaction as we grow older.
The Smart Ageing Innovation Awards are run by Ireland Smart Ageing Exchange (ISAX) and supported by Bank of Ireland celebrate the new world of Smart Ageing Innovations across multiple categories including - Homes & Housing, Food & Drink, Travel and Tourism, Ingenuity, Health and Wellbeing.
Over 200 invited guests, including An Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald were in attendance at College Green, House of Lords, Dublin last night to witness the Awards.
Speaking at the presentation of the Awards, An Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald said, "The ongoing improvements in population longevity mean that the potential of the global smart ageing market is huge. However, few countries have the kind of leadership required to help businesses exploit this new area of opportunity. Through the work of ISAX in bringing together businesses, academic institutions and government agencies, Ireland is well placed to become an International test bed for smart-aging innovations."
She added, "The role of ISAX in supporting businesses develop new solutions through the Smart Ageing Innovation Awards is commendable, and I was impressed by the calibre of entries this year. Whilst all entrants are winners there is one business that stood out to the judges and I congratulate The Freebird Club on that achievement."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
