Vodafone Spain and Qualcomm Use 3G to Improve Communications for the Elderly

The Vodafone España Foundation (FVE), the Spanish Red Cross (CRE) and Qualcomm have announced an alliance to launch a pilot project named "3G Connecting Generations." The project aims to take advantage of HSPA broadband technology to connect the elderly to their caregivers and families by unifying voice and videoconferencing through a familiar device like television.

"The elderly are a rapidly growing community in our country," said Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro Rivero, president of the Spanish Red Cross. "Many of these people need assistance for daily activities and the new technology provides innovative ways to enable them to easily keep in touch with those who care for them and the people they trust."

Through the video conference system, participants in this project can establish personalized video communications with the Contact Center at the Spanish Red Cross, which answers their questions and motivates them with consistent social interaction. Additionally, the Red Cross is able to conduct periodic and personalized follow-up video calls to check the health and well being of participants and ensure they feel included.

In addition to communicating with the Red Cross and family members, the project enables participants to use their 3G video communication platform to meet and communicate with other people in order to expand their social circle. They also can learn to download multimedia content, including physical exercise videos and interactive games, which help them stay active. The devices will be available at selected elderly community day centers, enabling participants to connect with friends when they are unable to access the devices.

"The 3G Connecting Generations project not only provides the elderly with tools to lead independent lives, but it also grants access to the latest communications technologies, giving them the opportunity to actively participate in the 21st century," said José Luis Ripoll, president of the Vodafone España Foundation.

One hundred elderly people will participate in the pilot, of which the majority live alone and far from their families. The initiative also involves family members or day centers from more than 10 provinces in nine independent communities, including, Barcelona, Huesca, León, La Palma, Madrid, Salamanca, Toledo, and Valladolid.

3G Connecting Generations was based on the experience gathered by the Spanish Red Cross and the Vodafone España Foundation through the PLATAS project, which was financed by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce as part of the 2006-2007 Advance Plan.

Posted to the site on 12th September 2008