  |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Pr, News and Announcements AgeSpan.com Takes the Gold [March 2004, St. Petersburg, FL.] AgeSpan.com, the nation's leading Web community for seniors, earned a Golden Web Award from The International Association of Web Masters and Designers. The award is made to those sites whose web design, originality and content have achieved levels of excellence deserving of recognition. Craig German, CEO of AgeSpan, Inc., commented that the award helped validate recent improvement to the functionality, design, and content of AgeSpan.com. "In a time when senior-focused portals seem to be disappearing without a trace, it is especially satisfying to receive this recognition and validation from a professional association whose members are experts in applicable web design. We have specifically built the user interface to address the cognitive and sensory needs of seniors. We accomplished this by gathering requirements from focus groups of seniors at retirement communities. We can honestly say our website has been designed by seniors for seniors. We will continue to listen to our users, improving and expanding the functionality of AgeSpan.com to help bridge the digital divide and bring more seniors on-line," said Mr. German. Recent studies have begun to validate the positive effect Internet connectivity has on overall comfort, quality of life, and health status of seniors. "Seniors," commented German, "often become isolated as their ability to transport themselves independently decreases due to age- and disease-related functional decline. Internet connectivity is one way to compensate for the negative effects of social isolation by keeping seniors- and others with low functional independence- in touch with their family members, friends, and interests." And what better way than to have the seniors assist us in designing their one-stop Internet site - a place where they can shop online for their travel reservations, groceries, pharmaceuticals, Internet connectivity, personal computers and peripherals, online banking, and emails. AgeSpan, Inc. was founded in 1999 to provide complete Internet enabling solutions to seniors as well as provide them an on-line community; all of this specifically geared to helping seniors with this new technology. With set-up and delivery into over 3,300 retirement communities in eight states we provide the Hardware, Software, Website, and Training that enables these Internet thirsty end-users to health related content, community involvement, e-mails, and e-commerce. Click Here To Download A Recent BayNews9 Broadcast On AgeSpan!
Announcements
Agespan in the News
Seniors Get Roadside Assistance on Info Superhighway
(CNSNews.com) - Help is on the way for senior Americans intimidated by the hi-techs of home computers and one PC service company isn't taking "no" for an answer from aging adults afraid of the information super-highway. Only 1.3 million Americans over the age of 50 are connected to the Internet. For computer corporations and entrepreneurs, that means an untapped market of 78 million individuals without Internet access or the ability to e-mail friends and families. But many of the millions of stranded are literally scared of computers, more so than the intimidation often encountered with the VCR timer. Take, for instance 75-year old Arnold German who was intimidated by the Internet and saw no practical use for computers or being online. That was before his son Gary, an Atlanta area computer services executive, opened up his laptop to share with his father an online experience. In just a matter of time, Gary found several of his father's World War II comrades he hadn't seen in decades. "He was so interested that for father's day I bought him a PC and gave him a little help to start out. Now I can hardly get him off the computer," German told CNSNews.com. "Dad told me there wasn't an easy way for people his age to find information like this or any kind of a 'community' where they can talk to each other," German added. "He never really left the house, he was lonely and out of touch except for our weekly phone calls. Now, I have to e-mail him to tell him to get off the phone." After bridging the generation e-gap with his father, German saw a business opportunity and set out on a mission to bring computers and seniors together. The result became Agespan.com, a startup enterprise which provides one-on-one beginners lessons to senior citizens. For a monthly fee German's new company, set to open in October, will deliver, set-up and install a computer, monitor, scanner, web cam and printer in the customers home. But wait, don't order yet. Not only does German deliver the equipment, he also provides Internet service, customized senior software, desktop configuration and unlimited one-on-one training that will put any senior on the road to speaking in megahertz, gigs and ram. German said the key to successfully launching seniors into cyberspace is the personalized, at-home service. "One secret to this is if you don't deliver, set up and train in their own environment, they won't pursue the issue." And before his company is even launched, German suggests the venture has paid off in more ways than one. "We're connecting these people with their grandkids. I've never seen people's lives light up so much," German told CNSNews.com, adding that many times customers are waiting for him with home-made pies, cookies and other deserts. "They can't wait to see us," German said. "They're learning and want to continue to see us." Pentium chips and salsa, anyone' Agespan.com will soon have offices in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida; Los Angeles, California; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Cleveland, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois - the top five cities in the nation with the highest concentration of Americans over 50, according to German. German isn't alone in the battle against senior cyber-scare. Microsoft executive Craig Spiezle also encountered a reluctant parent when approached with the idea of personal computing and Internet access. Today, Spiezle directs Microsoft's Seniors Initiative, an effort to get senior citizens up and flying into cyberspace. But Spiezle's mission extends beyond t t typical corporate goals and towards bringing seniors into a closer "community" while developing their potential for employability. "Our work at Microsoft is about the impact of technology on seniors' lives, and the contributions technology can help them make to their community," Spiezle told CNSNews.com. "As well as fostering creativity and entertainment, computer literacy is providing seniors with the skills for continued employability, allowing them to re-enter the work force and pursue new careers." In addition to standard marketing efforts, Microsoft has produced an educational video for an introduction to computers and the Internet specifically designed for seniors. The company has also published a book, "Grown-Up's Guide to Computing." Microsoft is also taking a community service approach to getting seniors connected. With matching grants to states and local government agencies, the company has provided computers and software to senior centers, schools and libraries. In a cooperative effort between Microsoft, West Virginia's Bureau of Senior Services and Marshall University's Technology Institute, four of the state's senior centers have been equipped with computers, Internet access and a curriculum designed for older adults. Senior Services Bureau commissioner Gaylene Miller told CNSNews.com the agency plans to implement the program in all 55 counties within 18 months at an estimated cost of up to $350,000. The agency will use corporate contributions and matching grants to fund the initiative. [ Back to NEWS ]
[ Back to NEWS ]
Gary German spent Memorial Day weekend setting up a computer with Internet access for his 76-year-old father. Teaching his father how to e-mail his five grandchildren was the hardest part of the job, said German, 39. German's experiences with his own family led him to form Agespan.com, a start-up company targeting the over-50 market for computers and Internet service. Seed money from iXL Enterprises Inc.'s Bert Ellis and a strategic deal with a local Web company have positioned Agespan to hit the market early next year. Agespan's business plan calls for a hands-on approach to selling technology to the older market . The company sell a brand-name computer and then goes into the customer's home to set it up and instruct the user how to surf the Web and e-mail grandchildren. Agespan then provides Internet service through a portal designed to connect seniors to information and services for their banking, health-care and other community needs. A portal is a site that provides a variety of services, which may include Web searches, free e-mail and links to a number of sites. German would not disclose how much money the company has raised so far, but Ellis and former Mindspring Enterprises Inc. chief financial officer Mike Misakoff are the lead investors. The company now is in the process of raising venture capital with the goal of $3.5 million for the first round. German began putting the business plan together in July, but competition for this market has thickened since then, said Craig Spiezle, president of the AgeLight Institute in Kirkland, Wash. Spiezle formerly headed Microsoft's Senior Initiative program. "Several companies are in the similar state as Agespan with announcements [of funding and alliances] to come in the next few weeks," Spiezle said. "It's a market surging from the need and opportunity." According to the AgeLight Institute, 30 percent of Americans over the age of 50 now own personal computers. However, those numbers drop off in the more defined older age groups. Personal computer ownership stands at 23 percent in the 60-69 age group, 14 percent for those 70-79 and 4 percent for the 80 and over segment. Booming market Americans 65 and older make of 13 percent of the population now, but that number is projected to grow to 20 percent in the next century. "The bad news if that the majority don't believe that have a need for computers, or they are intimidated," Spiezle said. The size of the market has attracted companies such as Agespan, but the ability to create a recognizable brand and to be the first in the market will determine the success of competitors, he said. "The timing is now, and the market is large. ... I was surprised that no one was able to make the holiday season," Spiezle said. Spiezle said he is working with a handful of companies targeting the senior market. Because of nondisclosure agreements, he would not give any names, but he said the list includes well-known computer companies as well as start-ups. Large companies such as Dell Computer Corp. or Gateway, Inc., will install a computer in private homes for a fee. Atlanta-based Simpliance, Inc., are designing e-mail-only devices that target seniors who are intimidated by computers. "The market is large enough for more than one company. The number of businesses involved validates the market," Spiezle said. Targeted to seniors German said Agespan will attempt to differentiate itself from its competitors with a high level of service and a computer designed for seniors. Agespan has a deal with Micron PC to sell a package that includes a 17-inch monitor and a keyboard with larger-than-normal keys. Agespan plans to target Georgia and Florida first before spreading to other markets in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas where there are high numbers of retirees. The idea is to single out retirement communities where Agespan can focus its efforts with service representatives who can troubleshoot problems as they occur. German now serves as chairman and chief executive of Agespan but will step aside after the first of the year to let an executive from a "highly branded" company take charge. Agespan is now negotiating with Barbara Eden, the star of "I Dream of Jeannie," to be a spokesperson for the company. Reach Moran at bmoran@amcity.com [ Back to NEWS ]
PR Releases
AgeSpan to Offer Seniors an Easy Way to Read Vitals Over the Net
Atlanta, Ga., February 15, 2000: — Agespan, an Atlanta based Web enabler and on-line community geared to helping seniors with new technology, announced today an alliance partnership with LifeMasters, a California company with breakthrough on-line technology. With LifeMasters, members now have the ability to have their vital signs remotely monitored over the Internet. The information is then evaluated and sent back to the patient. "This is a major breakthrough for our customer base. We want to provide the best possible information and the best company to offer this kind of technology is LifeMasters. Our customers now have a way to reach a valuable on-line resource if they need to", said Gary German, Chairman of AgeSpan. "Five years ago, my mother died of a stroke resulting from complications with Diabetes. My mother hated going to the doctor - if she had this kind of simple and non-intimidating technology, she might be still alive today," added German. '' AgeSpan is an Atlanta based Internet company targeting mature adults age 50+ through their website portal Agespan.com. For more information about AgeSpan contact: ' Farley Barge
Lewis Massey, Former Secretary of State of Georgia, Joins AgeSpan Advisory Board
Atlanta, Ga., February 15, 2000: — AgeSpan, an Atlanta based Web enabler and on-line community geared to helping seniors with new technology, announced today that Mr. Lewis Massey, former Secretary State of Georgia has joined the AgeSpan Advisory Board. "We are very excited about Lewis joining our team," said Gary German, Chairman of AgeSpan. "Mr. Massey brings a tremendous business background and Government knowledge to AgeSpan." added German. Other Advisory board members include:
AgeSpan is an Atlanta based Internet company targeting mature adults age 50+ through their website portal Agespan.com. For more information about AgeSpan contact: ' Farley Barge
©2000 Agespan.com. All Rights Reserved.
AGESPAN TO PARTNER WITH HEWLETT PACKARD, OFFERS USB PRINTERS AS STANDARD FOR MEMBERS Atlanta, Ga. (September 25, 2000) — Agespan.com, Inc. has chosen the Hewlett Packard 930C model as their primary printer solution for their "Internet in a Box"-like package. AgeSpan is an Atlanta based company that offers an all inclusive enabling solution, helping Americans over 50 years of age most easily connect to the Internet. Using the Internet as a portal for knowledge, community access and services (www.agespan.com) , AgeSpan is devoted to making life easier and better for mature adults. Of particular note, AgeSpan chose the Hewlett Packard printer for its:
AgeSpan uses Hewlett Packard’s printer to offer their affinity portal members a complete package including ISP services, a ‘bulletproof’ PC preloaded with software for this age group, a large monitor, a BigKey keyboard, and ergonomic chair and desk combinations. "Our foremost intent is to connect this society to their families as easily as possible," says Gary German, Chairman and Founder of AgeSpan.com, Inc. "I believe that AgeSpan has wrapped up some of the best components in the industry for an Internet in a box kind of approach," Mr. German says. "Using superb components means members spend less time with technical support. Our end-users will truly appreciate this packaged product. And it makes a perfect gift to those parents who have everything but want a no-hassle, convenient service to connect them to the rest of the world." STOP
©2000 Agespan.com. All Rights Reserved.
AgeSpan to partner with Micron PC in order to offer 'bulet-proof' PCs to their members Atlanta, Ga. (September 25, 2000) — Agespan.com, Inc. has chosen the Micron Client Pro CN model as the primary system for providing member access to their affinity portal. AgeSpan is an Atlanta based company offering an all-inclusive solution enabling Americans over 50 years of age easy Internet access, products and services. AgeSpan is devoted to making life easier and better for mature adults by packaging enabling technologies. Test program members most often say they need a stable, easy to use and easily maintained set-up, rarely picking out specific hardware issues. The Micron Client Pro CN tested out to be a perfect fit. Of particular note, AgeSpan chose the Micron configuration for:
AgeSpan couples Micron’s advantages with a suite of easy-to-use and highly readable home pages catering to this age group’s needs. The visually simplified portal uses the look of a 1950 town square and lends itself to use by both beginners and experienced computer users alike (www.agespan.com). "Our foremost intent is to connect this society to their families as easily as possible," says Gary German, Chairman and Founder of AgeSpan.com, Inc. "AgeSpan takes the Internet in a box approach one step further," German says. "Folks can start easily and learn at their own pace. We help them build computer and Web skills without being intimidated by technology." The AgeSpan / Micron program will be offered to retirement communities as well as to individuals. In addition to the age-group targeted offering, AgeSpan’s complete package will also be offered to children of mature Americans as a perfect gift to parents who want a no-hassle, well-supported and convenient service to connect them. STOP
©2000 Agespan.com. All Rights Reserved.
GINGER DESIGNS EASY-TO-USE COMPUTERS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS TO DELIVER TO SENIORS IN THE TAMPA BAY, CLEARWATER AND ST. PETERSBURG AREAS FIRST This All-In-One High-end Computing Solution offers a simplistic approach for intimidated seniors San Diego, CA. (October 3, 2001) – Ginger Interactive, Inc., the first personal kiosk system, announced today that seniors have taken a major interest to the worlds easiest to use all in one computer system. Ginger is an all-in-one touch-screen voice activated computer system that allows people to join the computer generation without the intimidating factors that are associated with this industry. AgeSpan, Inc., a St. Petersburg, Florida company (www.agespan.com) dedicated to delivering Internet enabling products and services, is the exclusive partner for distribution to seniors nationally. AgeSpan will deliver to seniors in the Tampa Bay region first before launching nationally. "We believe that Ginger will give seniors an easy way to browse the web and to receive e-mails from their grandchildren in a way never conceived before", said Gary German, CEO of Ginger Interactive. Ginger uses a touch-screen and comes with a unique keyboard for those who still want to do typing on their computer. Additionally, Ginger comes with voice operation utilizing specific voice commands; it uses no-training-needed software. Ginger has several easy to use programs such as 'one touch' or voice command e-mail or browsing the web by voice or touch just like you see at your ATM's kiosk. 'Ginger fills a very nice niche for our seniors in that it doesn't scare them; and on top of that it's so easy to use! We are very happy to be the national partner to distribute Ginger to the senior marketplace', said Craig German, a principal of AgeSpan. Ginger was designed to help technology-intimidated seniors, school children with disabilities, special needs adults (assisted living centers), and public or employee business niches. Ginger can also be used as a Home Management device that is much more robust than an Internet Appliance. Please go to www.gingerinteractive.com for more detailed views of Ginger. Ginger Interactive, Inc., a Florida Corporation, designs and integrates a fourth generation of personal computers for the workforce as well as the home. Ginger Interactive is dedicated to producing the world's easiest to use integrated computing products for the intimidated, those with special needs, the disabled and anyone who wants an easier way of computing.
©2000 Agespan.com. All Rights Reserved.
AgeSpan Launches its Products and Services Into the Greater Tampa Bay Areas St. Petersburg, FL - Oct. 15, 2001 – AgeSpan, Inc., a Florida corporation, announced today that it launched its products and services into the greater Tampa Bay area this week. Primary areas of focus for AgeSpan's deployment will be central Florida's Gulf Coast independent living retirement communities. AgeSpan realized very early on that very little marketing or demographic data existed for the affinity portal of people over 50 years of age. Two years ago, AgeSpan started conducting surveys at independent living and assisted living retirement centers in order to find out if these folks understood or even wanted to understand the Internet and what it could do for them. Our analysis proved that these people are indeed very interested in this technology but because they didn't grow up in it, they have been very unenthusiastic to find out about the Internet. 'We found out that if you give them the answers up front on what the Internet can do for them, then they are extremely receptive to you showing them more', said Craig German, President of AgeSpan. And it's this 'show me more' attitude that led AgeSpan to produce the following: ·The fastest and most reliable Internet Service Provider that we could find ·A fully touch-screen enabled senior community related website ·A truly bullet-proof PC and printer combination to work hand-in-hand with AgeSpan's touch-screen enabled website ·An easy to see BigKey keyboard ·A wide range of Internet Training Seminars specifically geared towards seniors ·A follow on training manual filled with easy to see and easy to read descriptions and examples for seniors – full of large 3-D graphics so that the reader doesn't get confused or bored ·Folding Computer Desks for quick installation of a stable and ergonomic platform for the PC ·PC maintenance programs to keep the computer running in 'like-new' condition ·An AgeSpan Buddy program that recruits internally within the retirement centers for stabling AgeSpan's network of technical support ·The Ginger – a voice enabled, touch-screen, smart house integration device (see www.gingerinteractive.com for more information) AgeSpan is offering a high level, high hand holding practice to these seniors. Rather than just come in and offer one or two pieces of the solution resulting in disappointment a couple of months down the road, AgeSpan's presence will be ongoing in our follow-on training seminars. 'The training seminar that seems to bring out the crowds is the one where I show them how to save lots of money off of retail prices when using the Internet as well as how to buy and sell on ebay', said Mr. German. Or maybe they're coming for the free ride in our promotional Hummer vehicle that we sometimes bring along. According to Mr. German, if they answer a question correctly during the seminar's question and answer period, AgeSpan will give them a ride in the AgeSpan Hummer and take a picture of them to email their kids or grandkids to show them that grandma and/or grandpa has still got it! About AgeSpan, Inc. Our aim is to become the premier Internet channel for businesses to reach the mature market by providing content of their interest. We believe that AgeSpan will appeal to business and consumers alike, because it creates a powerful environment for creating and maintaining brand awareness. It enables advertising and e-commerce to be focused on a highly targeted and affluent demographic user. It encourages a high degree of member involvement, with an interactive sponsorship model that integrates advertising and commerce into the content of each channel. AgeSpan's website creates a true sticky website for our alliance partners whereby the end-user will find a one-stop shop at their fingertips. Uncluttered web pages, soothing colors, touch-screen enabled, and an "I'm going to town" feeling are all a result of how we designed our website. They told us what they wanted; we built it just for them. AgeSpan is headquartered in Tierra Verde, Florida. For additional information, visit www.agespan.com or call 727-865-7900. STOP
©2000 Agespan.com. All Rights Reserved.
GINGER INTRODUCES GILLIGAN, THE FIRST INTERNET TELEVISION BUNDLED WITH GAMING DEVICES & DVD 13 and 20 inch Internet TV going into hospitals, doctor's offices, hotels, senior communities, and apartments Tampa, FL. (November 13, 2001) – Ginger Interactive, Inc., an interactive technology solutions corporation, announced today that the company would begin distribution of the worlds easiest to use all in-one interactive system called Gilligan, on November 12th. Gilligan is an all-in-one 13 or 20-inch color interactive television that allows viewers to easily toggle back and forth from 180 cable channels to the Internet and e-mail using its supplied remote control. Gilligan gives users the opportunity to join the Internet revolution without the intimidating factors that are normally associated with first time users. 'Gilligan will give users an easy way to browse the web, watch their favorite TV programs and receive e-mail in a way never conceived before. People that are intimidated by PC's have been using a similar device (The Television) for more than forty years. We are giving them something that they are familiar with', said Gary German, CEO of Ginger Interactive, Inc. 'We found in our research that people don't like to mess with a set-top device or a dumbed-down PC', added German. Users will be given the opportunity to purchase the 20' Gilligan for $299.00 or a bundled solution consisting of a dial-up service at the customer's choice and a gaming system for under $499.00. Gilligan features a Linux operating system, game interface ports that allows you to play DVD and a printer port. It also features a 56K internal modem and an Ethernet card. AgeSpan, Inc. a St. Petersburg, Florida company that enables seniors to today's technology will offer Gilligan to seniors on a national level. 'Gilligan fills a very nice niche for our seniors in that it doesn't scare them; and on top of that it's so easy to use!' We are very happy to be the national partner to distribute Gilligan to the senior marketplace', said Craig German, President of AgeSpan. Gilligan was designed to help technology-intimidated consumers, school children with disabilities; special needs adults (assisted living centers), and public or employee business niches such as hospitals, retirement and apartment communities, hotels, doctor's offices, and the home. Gilligan comes with a remote control, a wireless keyboard with a built-in mouse, end-user's choice of an Internet Service Provider (56K hookup) or high-speed bandwidth (where available), a printer port, game ports, an external mount antenna, Internal 56K dial-up modem and an Ethernet card. Ginger Interactive, Inc., a Florida Corporation, designs and integrates a fourth generation of personal interactive devices for the workforce as well as for the home. Ginger Interactive is dedicated to producing the world's easiest to use integrated – interactive products for the intimidated, those with special needs, the disabled and anyone else who wants an easier way of discovering the Internet. STOP
©2000 Agespan.com. All Rights Reserved.
|
