Lero, the Irish Software Research Centre, IBM Ireland and ISAX (Ireland Smart Ageing Exchange) have announced a two year research programme which could result in a new social media platform which would allow older people to offer and receive volunteer services, make new friends and interact. 

The Science Foundation Ireland supported initial research programme is valued at an estimated €116,400.
 
UL headquartered Lero, which is managing the programme, is seeking volunteers aged 50+ to participate in the research. Working with IBM and ISAX, Lero, an SFI supported research centre of excellence, will conduct research to collect data, convert the needs of the older person into a usable platform and monitor whether it meets their needs and performs a useful function. 
 
All aged 50+ who would like to participate can contact Prof. Ita Richardson, Principal Investigator, Connected Smart Ageing (CSA) at the University of Limerick or email: ita.richardson@lero.ie
 
Head of Consumer Insight & Marketing at ISAX, Aine Phelan says, "For many of us social isolation can be an issue when we lose contact with former work colleagues and family has moved on. A key item on the agenda for ageing in Ireland is to give older adults the opportunity to participate as valued members of their communities."

She added, "A new social media platform, designed specifically for older people, could provide countless benefits to both the receivers and givers of such services or advice as well as society in general."

Source: www.businessworld.ie