Wir im Kiez: Multimodal App for Mutual Help Among Elderly Neighbours

Abstract

Elderly people often need support in everyday situations -- e.g. common daily life activities like taking care of house and garden, or caring for an animal are often not possible without a larger support circle. However, especially in larger western cities, local social networks may not be very tight, friends may have moved away or died, and the traditional support structures found in so-called multi-generational families do not exist anymore. As a result, the quality of life for elderly people suffers crucially. On the other hand, people from the broader neighborhood would often gladly help and respond quickly. With the project Wir im Kiez we developed and tested a multimodal social network app equipped with a conversational interface that addresses these issues. In the demonstration, we especially focus on the needs and restrictions of seniors, both in their physical and psychological limitations.