Can grandmas cake solve elderly poverty? | Moriz Piffl-Percevic & Doris | TEDxDonauinselSalon

TL;DR

An intergenerational cafe in Vienna empowers elderly women through baking, creating a social enterprise to combat old age poverty.

Transcript

thank you hi I'm a grandma on duty and I work at an intergenerational Cafe in Vienna that employs both older and younger people and I thought I'd bring my boss along because after all he did think up the whole concept and maybe he could tell you a bit more about it so what it's over to you how did it all start well it started 10 years ago I went wi... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧔‍♀️ The intergenerational cafe empowers elderly women by providing them with income, recognition, and a platform to share their skills and stories.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Employing older people in the cafe challenges stereotypes about aging and promotes social integration.
• 🌉 Bridging generational gaps through interactions and teamwork fosters a sense of community and belonging for both staff and guests.
• 👵 The cafe's mission extends beyond providing jobs, aiming to raise awareness about old age poverty and isolation among elderly women.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the idea for the intergenerational cafe originate?

The concept stemmed from a disappointing bakery experience, prompting the realization of harnessing grandmother's baking skills to empower elderly women and bridge generational gaps in society.

Q: What role do elderly women play in the intergenerational cafe?

Elderly women work as bakers or hosts, sharing their culinary skills, wisdom, and hospitality with guests, providing them with a unique experience and combatting old age poverty.

Q: Why is the intergenerational cafe important in combating old age poverty?

The cafe provides income for elderly women, who often face poverty due to gender pay gaps and pension disparities, offering them a chance to escape isolation and contribute to society.

Q: How does the intergenerational cafe bridge generational gaps?

By employing both older and younger staff members, the cafe fosters interactions between different age groups, creating a diverse and inclusive environment for guests to enjoy.

Summary

In this video, a grandmother and her boss discuss the concept of their intergenerational cafe in Vienna. They talk about the inspiration behind the idea, the importance of bridging intergenerational gaps, and the impact the cafe has had on both older and younger staff members. The video also touches on the issue of old age poverty and isolation among elderly women and how the cafe aims to create a platform for them to share their stories and skills.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the idea for the intergenerational cafe come about?

The idea for the intergenerational cafe came about when the boss had a lousy piece of cake at a cafe and realized that his grandmother's homemade cake was much better. This inspired him to create a cafe where grandmothers could bake cakes using family recipes and share their wisdom and experiences.

Q: How did the concept evolve from a pop-up cafe to a permanent social business?

After the initial idea of the pop-up cafe, they participated in a social design call and did a 10-day pop-up cafe project. The response was positive, people loved it, and the media covered it extensively. This success led to the transformation of the pop-up cafe into a permanent social business in 2015.

Q: How did the boss's grandmother inspire him beyond her baking skills?

The boss's grandmother was a big inspiration to him as a human and as a social entrepreneur. She raised eight children while managing the family business and he admired her for her gentle, wise guidance and welcoming nature. She created a warm environment where everyone felt welcomed, and this quality influenced the boss's approach to the intergenerational cafe.

Q: What is the significance of the intergenerational aspect of the cafe?

The intergenerational aspect of the cafe is important for bridging gaps between different generations. Older people may suffer from isolation, which is often driven by poverty. At the same time, young people in bigger cities tend to be in their own age bubbles and lose contact with other generations. The intergenerational cafe aims to create connections and build bridges between different age groups through the interaction of staff members and guests of different ages.

Q: How many staff members are involved in the intergenerational cafe?

Currently, the intergenerational cafe has around 40 younger staff members working behind the counter, in the back office, and in the kitchen. In addition, there are around 50 older staff members, mainly grandmothers, who are responsible for baking or hosting guests.

Q: What is it like to work as a host at the intergenerational cafe?

Working as a host at the intergenerational cafe is a positive experience. It allows the older staff members to be part of a team and have adult conversations, which is especially valuable for those who live alone. They also enjoy providing tourist information to guests and feel a sense of belonging and contribution.

Q: Has the intergenerational cafe met the boss's initial vision?

The journey of the intergenerational cafe has been a roller coaster ride, with many challenges along the way. However, the concept has proven to be successful over the past 10 years. The grandmothers have served over one million guests, and the cafe is known for its delicious cakes, pleasant atmosphere, and the TLC (tender loving care) provided by the grandmothers. It has become more than just a place to visit, but a mission that guests can be a part of.

Q: Have there been any unexpected difficulties in working with older staff members?

Working with older staff members, who may have strong opinions and be more assertive, has presented challenges at times. However, the boss acknowledges that human problems can arise in any workplace. Despite the occasional difficulties, the intergenerational cafe emphasizes the value of learning from each other and building bridges between different generations.

Q: What is the impact of employing older people at the intergenerational cafe?

Employing older people at the intergenerational cafe is a win-win situation. It is not about treating them as charity cases, but recognizing their valuable skills and experiences. All people, regardless of age, want to belong, contribute, and be useful. Denying older individuals the opportunity to use their experience and skills impoverishes both them and society as a whole.

Q: What are the goals of the intergenerational cafe?

The goals of the intergenerational cafe go beyond creating employment opportunities for older people. The cafe aims to inspire others with alternative solutions, raise awareness about old age poverty and isolation, and bridge the intergenerational gap. Through their story, they have reached one billion contexts through conventional and social media. Additionally, the cafe serves as a platform for older women in the boss's family and in society as a whole to share their stories, skills, and experiences.

Takeaways

The intergenerational cafe in Vienna has successfully created a space where older and younger people can come together, bridge gaps between generations, and provide a welcoming environment for both staff members and guests. The cafe has not only provided employment opportunities for older people but also raised awareness about old age poverty and isolation. By sharing their stories and experiences, the cafe aims to empower older women and challenge preconceived notions about seniors. Ultimately, the intergenerational cafe demonstrates the value and importance of intergenerational cooperation and understanding.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A social entrepreneur and his grandmother inspired the concept of an intergenerational cafe where elderly women bake, share stories, and work alongside younger generations.

• The cafe aims to provide income for elderly women, combat old age poverty, and bridge generational gaps in society.

• The cafe serves as a platform for older women to share their skills, experiences, and stories, challenging stereotypes and creating a sense of belonging.