Generations is a multi-year social innovation project to develop innovative solutions to build the social connectedness of older people.

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We began in 2018 with an intensive discovery process to gain a deeper understanding of the challenge of building the social connectedness of older people.

Working with a co-design group comprised of older people, stakeholders, technical experts and external provocateurs, we embarked on a process of discovery (research) and design that included empathy interviews with older people to better understand their lived experience.

 
 

This process informed the development of insights into what helps older people to thrive and opportunities for change, which are a starting point for designing solutions.

In 2019 the co-design group took the next step and explored some ideas for potential solutions which were developed into early prototypes. These solutions are ready to be tested in a variety of settings and further refined. We are now seeking partners who share our passion for building the social connectedness of older people across Aotearoa New Zealand and would like to be part of that process.

The goal of Generations is to reduce social isolation among older people, and ensure they have positive social connections to friends, family, communities, work and other activities that enable them to thrive, participate and contribute as full citizens. 

 
 
 

The Challenge

 
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Social isolation in older people has emerged as a key health and social issue and can have a similar negative impact on the health of older people to that of smoking, high blood pressure or obesity.  

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The Opportunities & Ideas

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The Opportunities

Our discovery process has informed the development of insights into what helps older people to thrive and opportunities for change, which will be the starting point for designing solutions.

 

The Ideas

Our creative ideation processes led to a long list of kernels of ideas, along with four potential solutions which were identified as high potential and prioritised for testing and further development. These emerging ideas are outlined below and in more detail in the report, Ideation: Starting to explore solutions.

 
 
 

What's Next

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We Can't Do it Alone

We are seeking to partner with bold organisations who want to explore with us how to make a real difference to the urgent issue of the social isolation of older people.

If you are an organisation or funding provider interested in getting involved in Generations, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch & Get involved! hello@generations.co.nz