ViVES@BW: Virtually Connected – Senior Citizens in Baden-Württemberg
ViVES@BW: Virtually Connected - Senior Citizens in Baden-Württemberg
| Keywords | Civic Engagement Intergenerational Media Literacy Online Peer Learning |
| Target Group | Adults (25-64) Senior Citizens (65+) Educators/ Multipliers People With Disabilities |
| Used Methods | Discussions Workshops Online Lecture Presentation Learning By Doing |
| Categories | Civil Courage Media Engagement |
| Level of Participation | Local Level |
| Approach | Science-Based |
| Format of the Method | Digital (Online) |
| Duration of preparation | Long-Term (Over 6 Months) |
| Duration of implementation | Long-Term (Over 6 Months) |
| Website | https://heyzine.com/flip-book/3c2c0bec94.html |
Duration
| From | Until |
Short Description
VIVES@BW (“Virtually Connected – Senior Citizens in Baden-Württemberg”) brings people from the age of three into contact with each other via Zoom. Participants can take part in lectures, hands-on activities, discussions and open meeting places free of charge or organise their own activities. The programme is varied – from mental exercise and breathing techniques to evening lectures – and promotes exchange, community and new contacts. Participation is possible from the comfort of your own home via PC, tablet or smartphone. Individual support is available for technical questions. The aim is to combat loneliness in old age and create cross-generational connections. The project is supported by the state of Baden-Württemberg. One participant put it in a nutshell: “Today, the world comes to my home.”
VIVES\@BW („Virtuell verbunden – Seniorinnen & Senioren in Baden-Württemberg“) bringt Menschen ab dem dritten Lebensalter über Zoom miteinander in Kontakt. Teilnehmende können kostenlos an Vorträgen, Mitmachangeboten, Diskussionen und offenen Treffpunkten teilnehmen oder selbst Angebote gestalten. Das Programm ist vielfältig – von Denksport über Atemtechniken bis zum Abendvortrag – und fördert Austausch, Gemeinschaft und neue Kontakte. Die Teilnahme ist bequem von zu Hause per PC, Tablet oder Smartphone möglich. Für technische Fragen gibt es individuelle Unterstützung. Ziel ist es, Einsamkeit im Alter zu begegnen und generationenübergreifende Verbindungen zu schaffen. Das Projekt wird vom Land Baden-Württemberg unterstützt. Eine Teilnehmerin brachte es auf den Punkt: „Heute kommt die Welt zu mir nach Hause.“
Results
https://vives-bw.de/
Goals
The main aim of VIVES@BW was to promote social participation among senior citizens in Baden-Württemberg using digital media. The project focused on breaking loneliness and isolation through regular virtual encounters and shared experiences, and on empowering seniors to use modern communication tools like Zoom, thus fostering digital inclusion and active engagement in later life.
What is needed
The project planning and design for 2021 and 2022 included:
1. Developing and testing regular, free video conference formats for senior citizens in Baden-Württemberg.
2. Planning and implementing online events, building a pool of topics and speakers, and consolidating event series such as lectures, working groups, training, and participatory offers.
3. Advertising and establishing partnerships, including optimizing social media presence.
4. Creating methods and materials for interactive use of new media—providing instructions for videoconferencing tools (e.g., Zoom), translation tools, and file transfer services, plus proactive support and motivation for older people. Zoom training sessions covered breakout rooms, screen sharing, and whiteboards; Google Drive was used for data exchange and live broadcasts. Participants improved their understanding of modern technology (laptop, smartphone, software).
5. Conducting multiplier trainings (“train the trainer”)
Materials
– No physical materials required for participation
– Optional: Worksheets or presentations (digital) for offers, workshops or lectures
– Information materials (flyers, instructions, invitations – digital or in printed form)
Costs
– Technology licences (especially Zoom Pro licences)
– Fees for speakers or moderators (optional, depending on commitment)
– Funds for public relations work (e.g. flyers, website, advertising)
– Costs for technical support (hotline, training staff)
– Project funding is provided by public bodies, e.g. the state of Baden-Württemberg
Rooms
– No physical event rooms required
– Optional: Office workstations for the coordination team or technical support
– Rooms for on-site technology training if necessary (e.g. in senior centres or adult education centres)
Technology
– For participants:
– PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone
– Camera and microphone (integrated or external)
– Internet access (ideally stable via WLAN)
– For the organisation team: – Zoom accounts capable of moderation
– Technical infrastructure for support and training
– Headsets, replacement devices or loan devices for beginners if necessary
Staff
– Project coordination & organisation
– Technical support for training and individual case assistance (telephone/video)
– Moderators & speakers for