Technology That Actually Works for an Ageing Ireland
Digital technology holds transformative potential for healthy ageing. Telehealth can bring specialist care to rural communities where older adults would otherwise face long journeys. Social platforms can reduce the isolation that affects one in three older Irish people. Assistive technology can support independence long beyond what was possible a generation ago. Data analytics can help organisations plan services that genuinely meet needs.
But too often, this potential goes unrealised. Digital services exclude the very people who could benefit most—built on assumptions that everyone is digitally native, comfortable with complex interfaces, and equipped with the latest devices and reliable broadband. The digital divide is real, and it falls disproportionately on older adults.
Críonna Health takes a different approach. We develop and implement digital solutions that older Irish adults actually use—accessible, intuitive, effective. We design technology with older adults, not just for them. The result is digital infrastructure that genuinely enables healthy ageing across Ireland.
[Explore Our Digital Platforms →]The Digital Divide Is Real
But It Doesn’t Have to Be Permanent
The statistics paint a stark picture of digital exclusion in Ireland:
40% of Irish adults over 65 have never used the internet—the highest rate of any age group by far
27% of those aged 60-74 have low or no digital skills, rising to over 50% for those 75+
35% of older adults who do use the internet feel anxious about making mistakes or security risks
Rural areas face compounding challenges: older populations, weaker broadband, and fewer support services
For older adults, digital exclusion means more than missing out on social media. It means:
- Inability to access increasingly digital-first public services
- Barriers to telehealth that could avoid hospital trips
- Exclusion from online banking as branch networks shrink
- Social isolation when family and community move to digital communication
- Difficulty accessing information during crises like the Covid-19 pandemic
But digital exclusion isn’t inevitable. With thoughtful design, appropriate support, and commitment to inclusion, technology can work for people of all ages. The barriers are surmountable—if we choose to surmount them.
Críonna Health bridges the digital divide. Our solutions are designed for accessibility. Our implementations include support for adoption. Our approach recognises that technology is only valuable if people can actually use it.
Our Design Philosophy
Built With, Not Just For
Too many technology solutions for older adults are designed by young people who have never meaningfully engaged with their intended users. The result is products that reflect assumptions rather than realities—patronising, confusing, or simply unusable.
We take a fundamentally different approach:
Participatory Design
Older adults are involved throughout our design process—not just consulted at the end, but actively participating in research, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Their input shapes what we build at every stage.
Accessibility as Foundation
Meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards is our minimum, not our aspiration. We go further: larger text options throughout, clear and consistent navigation, voice interface options where appropriate, high contrast modes, and designs that work for users with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments.
Simplicity by Design
Every feature must earn its place. We ruthlessly eliminate complexity, ensuring that core functionality is discoverable and usable without manuals or tutorials. Technology should feel helpful, not frustrating.
Real-World Testing
We test with real older adults in realistic conditions—not just lab environments with optimal lighting and unlimited time. We observe actual use patterns and iterate based on what we learn.
Support Built In
Digital tools work best when paired with human support. We design for blended approaches that combine technology with personal assistance, recognising that onboarding, training, and ongoing help matter as much as the technology itself.
Offline Consideration
Not every older adult has reliable broadband. Not every location has good connectivity. We design solutions that degrade gracefully when connectivity is limited, ensuring that core functionality remains available.
Our Digital Platforms
Comprehensive Solutions for Different Needs
Críonna Health has developed a suite of digital platforms addressing different aspects of healthy ageing in Ireland:
Críonna Workplace
All-in-one workforce longevity management for employers
Críonna Workplace helps employers understand, manage, and support their ageing workforce. Built for HR teams, line managers, and employees themselves, the platform transforms how organisations approach workforce longevity.
For HR and Leadership:
- Workforce analytics — demographic profiling, retirement projections, risk identification
- Benchmarking — compare your workforce metrics against industry standards
- Action planning — guided development of workforce longevity strategies
- Reporting — dashboard views and exportable reports for leadership
For Line Managers:
- Team insights — understand the age profile and support needs of your team
- Conversation guides — resources for effective discussions about retirement, development, and wellbeing
- Knowledge transfer tools — structured approaches to capturing and sharing expertise
For Employees (55+):
- Retirement preparation — comprehensive non-financial preparation across all life dimensions
- Wellbeing resources — health, social, and purpose-related content and tools
- Peer community — connection with others at similar career stages
- Personalised journey — individual assessment and tailored development path
Platform Features:
- Assessment framework developed with longevity experts
- Mentoring and coaching integration
- Community sessions with trained peer facilitators
- Comprehensive knowledge base covering all dimensions of retirement preparation
- Analytics and insights for organisations
Implementation Options:
- SaaS subscription with Críonna Health branding
- White-label deployment with your organisation’s branding
- Modular implementation focusing on specific components
Críonna Community
Age-friendly community management for local authorities and organisations
Críonna Community is a comprehensive platform for organisations committed to delivering exceptional services for older adults. Built on principles of connectivity and accessibility, it helps communities become genuinely age-friendly.
For Local Authorities:
- Service directory — comprehensive, searchable listing of services available to older adults
- Events and activities — community calendar with booking and promotion tools
- Information hub — news, updates, and resources relevant to older residents
- Engagement tools — surveys, consultations, and feedback mechanisms aligned with Age Friendly Ireland frameworks
- Analytics dashboard — insights into community needs and platform usage
For Community Organisations:
- Organisation profiles — present services and activities to older adults
- Event promotion — reach older adults with activity listings
- Volunteer coordination — tools for managing volunteer involvement
- Impact reporting — demonstrate reach and outcomes to funders
For Older Adults:
- Activity discovery — find events, activities, and groups by interest, location, and accessibility
- Service access — navigate local services with clear, accessible information
- Social connection — find others with shared interests and circumstances
- Community news — stay informed about local developments
Platform Features:
- Multi-channel access: web, mobile app, voice assistant, and phone line options
- Accessibility-first design meeting WCAG 2.1 AA+ standards
- Integration with national Age Friendly Ireland frameworks
- Scalable from single community to county-wide deployment
- Data insights for Age Friendly reporting and planning
Críonna Wellbeing
Personal longevity app for healthy, active ageing
Críonna Wellbeing puts the power of healthy ageing in the hands of individuals. Built on the core pillars of physical health, mental wellbeing, social connection, and purpose, the app supports older adults to live fuller, healthier lives.
Key Features:
- Health tracking — monitor physical activity, sleep, and wellbeing indicators
- Goal setting — personalised health goals with progress tracking
- Activity suggestions — recommendations for physical, social, and cognitive activities
- Social features — connect with friends, family, and community
- Information library — evidence-based content on healthy ageing topics
- Local integration — connection to community events and services
- Care circle — optional sharing with family members or carers
Design Principles:
- Simple, intuitive interface tested extensively with older adults
- Large text, clear icons, and high contrast options
- Voice navigation available throughout
- Works offline for core features
- Privacy-first with user control over data sharing
Deployment Options:
- Public app for individual download
- Employer-provided benefit (integrated with Críonna Workplace)
- Community deployment (integrated with Críonna Community)
- Healthcare provider integration for patient engagement
Custom Development
When Off-the-Shelf Doesn’t Fit
Our platforms address common needs, but every organisation has unique requirements. We provide custom digital development for organisations needing bespoke solutions.
Custom Development Services:
Service Portal Redesign
Many organisations have digital services that don’t work well for older users. We redesign existing platforms to improve accessibility and usability for all ages—retaining core functionality while transforming the user experience.
Integration Development
Our platforms integrate with existing systems—patient management, HR systems, CRM, and more. We develop custom integrations that create seamless experiences across your technology stack.
Bespoke Platform Development
When existing platforms don’t fit your needs, we develop custom solutions from the ground up—always applying our accessible, user-centred design principles.
Accessibility Audits and Remediation
We assess existing digital services against accessibility standards and user needs, providing detailed remediation recommendations or undertaking the improvement work directly.
Implementation Services
Technology Is Only as Good as Its Implementation
Building software is only part of the challenge. Making it work in practice—for your organisation and your users—requires attention to implementation, adoption, and ongoing support.
Discovery and Research
Before any development or deployment, we invest in understanding: user needs, existing systems, organisational context, and success criteria. This upfront investment prevents costly misalignment later.
Configuration and Setup
Our platforms are configurable to your requirements. We handle technical setup, branding customisation, and integration with existing systems.
Training and Rollout
We train your staff to administer platforms and support users. We plan rollout approaches that build adoption systematically. We provide materials for promoting new services to users.
User Onboarding
For older adult users, onboarding is critical. We design and deliver onboarding programmes—digital and in-person—that build confidence and competence.
Support and Iteration
Technology is never “done.” We provide ongoing technical support, monitor usage patterns, gather user feedback, and continuously improve based on real-world experience.
Digital Inclusion Support
Technology Alone Isn’t the Answer
Older adults often need support to engage with digital services, even well-designed ones. We help organisations develop the complementary programmes that make digital inclusion real.
Digital Champion Programmes
Train staff or volunteers to support older users with technology. We provide curriculum, materials, and train-the-trainer support for sustainable digital champion programmes.
Digital Skills Training
Direct training for older adults to build confidence and competence online. We offer standardised programmes and custom content development for specific contexts.
Hybrid Service Design
Digital shouldn’t mean digital-only. We help organisations design services that combine digital channels with traditional alternatives—phone, in-person, and post—ensuring no one is excluded.
Accessibility Auditing
Regular assessment of digital services against accessibility standards and real user needs, with clear recommendations for improvement.
Internet and Device Access
For some older adults, the barrier is access, not skills. We advise on device lending schemes, supported internet access, and other approaches to address access gaps.
Technical Standards
Built to Last
Our platforms are built on modern, secure, scalable architecture:
Security
- GDPR-compliant data handling
- End-to-end encryption for sensitive data
- Regular security testing and certification
- Role-based access controls
- Data residency within EU
Accessibility
- WCAG 2.1 AA compliance minimum
- Regular accessibility testing including with assistive technology users
- Accessibility statements and feedback mechanisms
Interoperability
- RESTful APIs for integration
- Standard data formats and protocols
- Integration with common enterprise systems
Scalability
- Cloud-native architecture
- Designed for growth from pilot to national scale
- Performance monitoring and optimisation
Support
- SLA-backed technical support
- Regular updates and security patches
- Planned enhancement roadmap
Case Studies
Impact in Practice
Detailed case studies coming soon.
We’re building evidence of impact through our implementations across Irish organisations. Contact us to discuss current deployments and early outcomes.
Get Started
Your Digital Journey Begins Here
Whether you need a complete platform, custom development, implementation support, or digital inclusion programmes, we’re here to help.
Platform Demo
See our platforms in action with a guided demonstration tailored to your context.
Discovery Workshop
Explore your digital needs and opportunities with our team—no commitment, just clarity.
Pilot Proposal
Start small with a focused pilot, proving value before broader rollout.
[Contact Our Digital Team]Críonna Health
Dublin, Ireland [email protected]
