Roberto Salamina studied biomedical engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan and entered the world of healthcare innovation early on: he was a key figure in TeiaCare, a startup founded to bring advanced technologies (including artificial intelligence and monitoring systems) to senior care facilities. Valentina De Caro, meanwhile, comes from the world of communications and digital marketing. She has worked in digital agencies on projects for major brands and developed skills in building online communities and brand storytelling. She founded BeardRulez, a community dedicated to beard enthusiasts, an experience that gave her hands-on experience in creating a digital platform and managing a user community.
Together, Roberto and Valentina are advancing the Senex project , which offers the "Niece for Rent" service , with the aim of helping seniors better use technology and become more independent in the digital world. This platform provides support services for seniors, such as digital education, administrative support, and cognitive maintenance. The goal is to help, provide companionship, and better include seniors in the silver economy in society.
In particular, the "grandchildren" help, for example, to:
- use smartphones, tablets and computers;
- set up apps and devices;
- learn to use WhatsApp, video calls, email, and social networks;
- create and manage tools such as SPID and digital identity;
- move between online services (bookings, purchases, payments, public services);
- improve digital security (passwords, online scams, settings).
But the idea behind the project is not only to provide technical assistance, but to create an intergenerational relationship : the young person brings digital skills, but also patience, a listening ear, and companionship.
The person receiving the service can purchase packages of 1, 3, and 7 hours , and typically, for a minimum level of assistance that leads to long-lasting results, the company estimates a cost between 30 and 180 euros. This depends on the elderly person's starting conditions and their initial ability to manage a technological device. Senex also offers online courses , which are affordable and equally effective for training.
Born in Bari during the first Covid-19 lockdown, the Selex-Nipote in Affitto service has expanded to several Italian cities, and is now active in Naples, Turin, Milan, Monza, Bergamo, Palermo, Genoa, and Bologna.
The potential audience for Senex's services is enormous. In Italy, 86 percent of people over 65 lack the basic skills to use technology, even for the most basic functions. And 75 percent have never even attempted to use a computer. Less than 2 percent of internet users are over 70. At the same time, technology is becoming increasingly difficult to do without, even at an advanced age.
To communicate, to shop, to stay connected, to access a range of services. A recent example stands out: green passes travel on smartphones, generally, along with the associated communication. But for those over 65, this is a problem, and they run the risk of missing out on an essential tool for daily mobility. And there isn't always a child or grandchild just around the corner, ready to intervene in an emergency.
Read also:
- This is how the elderly protect themselves when it's very hot
- Neighborhood concierges: so seniors are no longer alone
Want to see a selection of our news?
- Sign up to our newsletter clicking here;
- We are also up Google News , activate the star to add us to your favorite sources;
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram e Pinterest.