The Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research (CADR) have launched their first app, in support of the International Day of Older Persons.
The CADR app links directly to the International Day of Older Persons’ main theme of Digital Equity for All Ages, “bringing awareness of the importance of digital inclusion of older persons, while tackling stereotypes, prejudice and discriminations associated with digitalization”.
CADR aims to improve the lives of older people through research, policy and practice and is supported by Health and Care Research Wales, funded by the Welsh Government. Swansea University and Bangor University are the central partners in CADR.
The CADR app was created to overcome some of the barriers and challenges to meeting in person caused by COVID-19. The app expands the reach of CADR’s involvement and engagement activities in a brand new way. The new CADR app is anticipated to support those who have previously been digitally excluded, and to reach both new and existing audiences.
CADR hopes to build further connections in Wales and beyond, increasing opportunities for public involvement and participation into research supported by CADR and other collaborating organisations.
Professor Charles Musselwhite, co-director of CADR, said:
“We are delighted to be able to offer people a chance to access CADR-related material on an app. Although more older people are tech savvy and online than ever before, we recognise that navigating websites, such as negotiating different menus, can be challenging.
Hopefully this will make sure people can easily access all CADR’s resources, our news and webinars for example, and get involved with CADR from a one-stop shop at the touch of a finger making it easily accessible for everyone! We look forward to people downloading it and using it as soon as possible.”
Professor Kieran Walshe, Director of Health and Care Research Wales, said:
“This app has an important role to play in allowing older people to access information and be involved and engaged in life changing research by the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research. It is a key development in overcoming some of the barriers around digital exclusion in health and care research.”
The CADR app can be downloaded for free on Android and IOS devices.