The elderly in the capital accompany digital transformation

One morning in Tuong Mai Ward (Hanoi), in a “popular digital education” class, an elderly man over 70 years old was installing the VneID application step by step following the instructions, while an elderly woman carefully wrote down the password on a small piece of paper so that “when needed, she could remember it”. The scene reminded people of the “popular education” class of the past, but now it is a digital version of the technology era, where the elderly are not left out of the digital transformation revolution.

When seniors become "digital learners"

The launching ceremony of the pilot model of "Digital Education for All" in Tuong Mai Ward, Hanoi attracted a large number of people, especially the elderly. Ms. Dao Thi Thu Hang, Chairwoman of the Ward People's Committee, shared: "The elderly account for a large proportion of the population, they are special digital citizens. We hope that each uncle and each elder, when guided, will be more confident when accessing online public services, thereby spreading that spirit to their children and grandchildren."

Mr. Nguyen Hung, Chairman of Veterans Association 1 happily shared technological knowledge at the launching ceremony.

Mr. Nguyen Hung, the head of the Veterans Association of Tuong Mai Ward 1, who is over 70 years old, excitedly said: "My association has 90 members, many of whom are not used to using smartphones. I think that veterans who have been through life and death, now in peacetime, must adapt even more, and must set an example. Participating in digital transformation is also a way to continue to contribute."

Mr. Nguyen Van Huy, Party Secretary of Residential Group 20-22, Linh Nam Ward, said that the 3 residential groups have more than 500 elderly people. In addition to guiding the installation of VNeID, grassroots cadres also encouraged families to buy smartphones for their parents and grandparents. In difficult cases, the community joins hands so that "no one is left behind".

Bridge spreading solidarity

According to statistics, Hanoi currently has nearly 1.4 million elderly people, accounting for more than 16% of the population. This is an important force in the process of building digital citizens. Mr. Nguyen The Toan, Chairman of the Hanoi Elderly Association, emphasized: " The project for the elderly to participate in promoting digital transformation, green transformation, entrepreneurship and job creation" (Decision 379/QD-TTg) is not only a social security policy, but also a sustainable development strategy. The elderly have gone from being beneficiaries to becoming a core force, contributing to the development of the country".

However, Mr. Nguyen The Toan said that there is still a digital gap due to fear and lack of specialized training programs. Therefore, the City Association of the Elderly proposed to build an easy-to-understand, free or low-cost "digital handbook", focusing on essential skills such as using online public services, cashless payments, and preventing online fraud. At the same time, there should be a community digital support center and preferential micro-credit policies for the elderly with startup ideas.

Ms. Tran Thi Thu Huong, Executive Committee Member of the Hanoi Elderly Association, added: "The elderly have a legitimate need to participate and affirm their role in the digital society. We will continue to coordinate with the government and organizations to build many "digital literacy" points, where the elderly can learn technological skills and spread a green, frugal, and environmentally friendly lifestyle."

Special classes and community outreach

Luka Coffee Shop, Binh Thanh Ward, uses its premises as a place to learn digital transformation for the elderly in the neighborhood.

Digital learning spaces for the elderly are not limited to cultural houses or ward People's Committees. In Ho Chi Minh City , the model "One neighborhood, one digital transformation classroom" has turned coffee shops into classrooms. At Luka cafe (Binh Thanh ward), every morning, dozens of elderly men and women gather to listen to volunteer students instruct them on how to install the VNeID application, scan QR codes, and make online medical appointments.

Ms. Phan Thi Ngoc, a retired teacher for more than 10 years, emotionally shared: "Before, I was always worried when using a smartphone. Thanks to the enthusiastic guidance of the children, I now know how to install applications and secure information. I feel much more secure."

Mr. Nguyen Hai Long, the owner of the coffee shop, said he is also willing to dedicate space to serve community classes: "If people know how to use the application properly, carrying out administrative procedures will be much more convenient. This is both practical and humane."

Digital transformation through the lens of the elderly is no longer a strange or dry concept. These are simple but inspiring stories: an old man sending a photo of his vegetable garden to his children and grandchildren living far away for the first time, an old woman happy to be able to look up agricultural product prices herself, or a veteran humorously showing off "the first time I successfully transferred money on my phone".

It is this change that has turned digital classrooms into a bridge for the community, connecting the young generation with the elderly, the government with the people. From small actions, the "popular digital education" movement is opening up great opportunities, so that each old man and woman not only serves themselves, but also sets an example and inspires their children and grandchildren.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/nguoi-cao-tuoi-thu-do-dong-hanh-cung-chuyen-doi-so-197250912101630917.htm