Digital inclusion
The Intergenerational Codesign of Novel technologies In Coastal communitites (ICONIC) project aims to improve digital inclusion both for older and younger people.
Older people's connection with community, groups and activities in their neighbourhood and the cultural landscape, are essential for social inclusion and healthy ageing. As society becomes ever more digital, those excluded are at risk of social isolation.
Younger people may also have fewer opportunities to get involved in digital technologies in peripheral rural and coastal economies away from cities. Traditional industries such as farming, mining, fishing and port activity have declined in these regions and the University of Plymouth is working with partners to develop high-wage digital sector jobs in the South West.
ICONIC solutions
To improve digital opportunities in these coastal regions, the Centre for Health Technology (CHT) is leading the ICONIC interdisciplinary project, which will help people to connect to their communities and cultural landscapes.
The project aims to recruit 80 older (aged 50+) people, including both people living at home and those in care homes, and 40 younger (aged 16–20) people. Participants will work with researchers to codevelop novel technologies aimed at creating connections in the region.