It was a very enthusiastic Christian Estrosi who presented to the press what could prove to be a small social revolution if the experiment proves conclusive. In the department, those over 60 represent 26% of the population, and this figure will increase in the coming years. Seniors are feeling increasingly isolated, with one in five people not having the opportunity to speak each day. The threat of Alzheimer’s is also very present among the older age group. To avoid disastrous isolation, “we must create a link for our seniors,” worries Mr. Estrosi. It is therefore necessary to keep retirees integrated into social life.
This is the aim of the experiment, which will offer our seniors a whole array of essential services available 24/7, free of charge. And all thanks to one of the retiree’s best companions: their television. Via the Internet, they will be able to connect with an operator guiding them to services as practical as a pharmacy, a general practitioner, home services (cleaning, meals, shopping, etc.), or simply their family. Emergency calls will also be facilitated. The President of the General Council gave a small demonstration, “A remote control, a power button, nothing else to do.” “Child’s play,” dares Mr. Estrosi. The camera installed on the television allows for videophone calls, very important for older people who do not have the opportunity to see their family very often. The individuals concerned will be entitled to 3 hours of training provided free of charge.
The General Council will fund the entire initiative with an allocation of 224,250 euros. Nice, Grasse, and Guillaumes will be the field of this experiment for 12 months, involving about fifty people. The Ministry of Health, Youth, and Sports is counting on its success, as if successful, the process will be extended to the National Plan. It is also an intelligent way to introduce the Internet to older people, thus further democratizing this tool that has become indispensable to our society.
