Elderly people strive to keep up with digital transformation

In the context of strong digital transformation, the elderly are gradually overcoming age and technology barriers to integrate into the digital society. In Quang Tri, a locality with many socio-economic difficulties, the spirit of learning and adapting to technology of many elderly people has been creating positive changes, contributing to concretizing the goal of "leaving no one behind" in Decision 379/QD-TTg approving the Project "Elderly people participating in promoting digital transformation, green transformation, entrepreneurship and job creation" of the Prime Minister.

Elderly people in Quang Tri strive to keep up with digital transformation. Source: Quang Tri Newspaper

A few years ago, Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan (60 years old), residing in Dong Ha city, Quang Tri province, had not yet used her first smartphone because of its complicated functions. However, with perseverance and support from her children and grandchildren, now she not only makes video calls, uses social networks, but also knows how to transfer money to the bank, look up news, weather forecasts, and use online utilities such as online shopping.

Mr. Phan Cong Thanh (71 years old), Chairman of the Elderly Association of Ward 2, Quang Tri town, said: "Currently, most of our members know how to use zalo, facebook, gmail to exchange work, grasp association information, visit each other, reducing the need to travel." According to Mr. Thanh, thanks to social networks, the gap between generations is gradually narrowing, many elders understand more about the lifestyle of their children and grandchildren, thereby being able to share, accompany and sympathize better.

Digital technology - a bridge to spread knowledge and connect communities

According to the Quang Tri Provincial Elderly Association, the province currently has over 92,000 elderly people, of whom 85,125 are members participating in association organizations at the commune, ward, village, and hamlet levels. Since the association's zalo groups were launched, the propaganda activities of the Party and State's policies and guidelines, as well as association information, have been spread quickly and conveniently. These groups have also become forums for exchanging and sharing knowledge and experiences in health care, disease prevention, or learning how to use digital applications together.

Using technology devices has helped the elderly live more actively, update their knowledge, integrate into the community, maintain a positive spiritual life and be more independent in their daily activities. This is a favorable foundation to move towards higher goals set by Project 379 such as job creation, entrepreneurship, and participation in green transformation.

Still difficult, challenging

However, the digital journey of the elderly still faces many challenges. Some elderly people are still hesitant and afraid to approach technology due to old age, poor eyesight, and reduced memory. In particular, the rate of elderly people in poor households is still high, so access to devices such as smartphones and tablets is limited. In addition, the use of online public services is still a major obstacle for many elderly people.

Head of the Quang Tri Province Elderly Association – Mr. Nguyen Ha Phuong – said: The Association always reminds members to be careful when using social networks, avoid accessing bad, toxic, and unofficial information. At the same time, the Association coordinates with community digital technology groups to guide the elderly to use technology properly, safely, and effectively.

Accompanying the elderly to step firmly into the digital society

For the elderly to truly catch up with digital transformation and contribute to sustainable development, the synchronous participation of the entire political system is needed. Policies on equipment support and digital skills dissemination need to be implemented more strongly at the grassroots level, especially in remote areas. Community digital technology groups and intergenerational self-help club models need to continue to play the role of "companions" for the elderly on the digital journey.

More importantly, support from family members helps the elderly overcome the first barriers and gradually take advantage of the benefits that technology brings.

Digital transformation is not just a revolution for the young. When the elderly are given the right opportunities and support, they can become active participants in this process – living happily, living healthily and living digitally. This is also the profound humanitarian spirit that Project 379 is aiming for.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/nguoi-cao-tuoi-no-luc-bat-nhip-chuyen-doi-so-197250622163541146.htm