As you know, today, in partnership with the City of New York and Selfhelp Community Services Inc., Microsoft will hold a press conference in to unveil a new Virtual Senior Center program, which demonstrates how technology can enhance the lives of homebound seniors and help revitalize senior centers.
Currently, there are at least 2 million homebound seniors in the United States. As the population ages, however, the number of homebound seniors with multiple chronic conditions and disabilities will increase dramatically—a trend that is creating deep concerns for cities and other governments that provide services and benefits to seniors, as well as baby boomers and other family members who must care for aging parents or other relatives.
This demonstration project and innovative public-private partnership with Microsoft, the City of New York, and Selfhelp Community Services, Inc., creates an interactive experience for homebound seniors that reduces social isolation and gives them better access to community services. The program has been very successful and participants who range in age from 67 – 103, have said the technology makes them feel alive, connected, and helps them overcome the isolation and loneliness that often accompanies old age and being homebound.
Virtual Senior Center participant, Milton Greidinger, 86, uses interactive technology to record a personal video blog and virtually connect with friends and family. He also started using Microsoft HealthVault, a personal health-management platform that offers people a way to manage their health without leaving home, and Heart360.org, the American Heart Association's free online heart health center. Milton said the Virtual Senior Center, “saved his life.” “Before this project, I was bored to death,” he said. “I was just waiting for my time to finish. Now, all of a sudden, I’m wide awake. I'm alive again.”
Visit the official Microsoft blog to hear from Bonnie Kearney, director of marketing for Trustworthy Computing and learn more about the Virtual Senior Center.
