The Centre is currently looking for businesses to partner in research that’s hoping to shed light on older people’s experiences of using technology.

The call is part of the Centre’s In Residence Scheme and will fund Cornish small and medium sized businesses to spend time with academics and explore mapping technology use amongst older people in Cornwall.

Researchers are hoping to understand more about older people’s awareness of technology, how they use it, and what stops them from using it. The team will use their findings to explore the use of new technologies that can improve health and wellbeing.

The use of different kinds of technology – from smartphones and laptops to new wearable devices – has dramatically increased over the past decade. Alongside this, Superfast broadband and Wi-Fi hotspots have helped to increase the connectivity of residents and businesses across Cornwall.

And yet there is currently a large gap in our understanding of how these technologies are impacting Cornwall’s ageing demographic. This project will help improve our understanding of how older people in both rural and urban communities interact with technology.

The Centre is hoping to hear for businesses that are interested in the health and wellbeing of older people, age and technology, or active ageing.

Please see the In Residence page for information on how to apply; expressions of interest must be received by Friday 25th July 2014.