Market research on apps that exist
Stitch
https://techcrunch.com/2015/10/31/stitch-is-a-social-network-for-seniors/
Stitch is a social network designed for those over 50, based in Australia the site is designed to help members find friends, romantic companionship, or just new activities to try.
I like how on Stitch there are different forms of companionship which you are able to look for such as Romance, travel companion, dinner dates, company and group activities.
On their site I like how there is an events page which shows what events are happening in your area, other members who are going and the chance to suggest your own activity which other members can comment and attend.
Not only are there local activities but also travel opportunities where members can share holiday destinations and deals and comment and attend these events with members from around the world, opening up the scope for meeting new people.
The social media aspect is set up quite like a blog where users post a discussion board of a topic and users can comment and create conversations from. This is an interesting element as this makes it easier for the users to create conversations from specific topics, gain advice and ask questions they may be afraid to ask the younger generation, gaining advice from people similar to them.
Tapestry
Tapestry is a family based social network aimed for older people to keep up to date with their families. The layout is very big and simple. The aim is to share photos and updates to keep families connected.
The app integrates medicine reminders, GPS trackers and SOS hep to let families know your lost, notes, reminders and messaging facilities. The app is very simple and is concerned with sharing photos with families for the elderly. Other than these features the app lacks any face to face communication possibilities. There is no mention of events pages but more about keeping up to date.
Be a Friend Today
http://www.beafriendtoday.org.uk/
Friends of the Elderly is calling on everyone to Be a Friend and help change the future of loneliness. Be a friend today asks of volunteers to help with the elderly in the community, the premise is to make a promise on how you individually are going to combat loneliness, this can take form in helping an elderly person with their shopping, household chores, coffee breaks etc.
Easy Facebook for Seniors – EasyFamily Social®
http://appcrawlr.com/ipad/easy-social-for-facebook#authors-description
This app connects seniors to Facebook using a simple interface, filtering of posts and pictures with ‘Family’ and ‘Friends’ tabs Safe Mode ensures the safest introduction to Facebook for beginners and seniors: – Provides fool-proof browsing to help beginners avoid early mistakes.
Skype
Skype is a great way of older generations keeping in touch with distant family and friends, with the contacts and calling layout easy to follow and the digital face to face contact to help combat loneliness and keeping up to date.
See Speak http://www.seespeak.co.uk/
Similar to Skype designed for a simple layout with large images for contacts. See Speak is a tablet which integrates Skype for elderly users.
Good Company
https://goodcompanyforall.org/
A charity that brings together local people, volunteers can offer services such as a cup of tea and chat, help with shopping.