Senior citizens get digitech lessons

They know how to talk and text and are thrilled to be able to take photos and/or videos of events they want to remember, but for many Filipino senior citizens, that is about the extent of their experience in the use of smartphones.

Whether they do not feel they need to or do not really know much about the features of their digital devices, including downloadable applications (apps), seniors are not exploiting the possibilities offered by that tool in the palm of their hands.

To help make seniors more technology-savvy and confident to explore the full potential of mobile phones for information, education and entertainment, as well as to get access to financial services and products, the Globe Group recently organized ‘Teach me how to digi.’

Technology experts from Globe and Google offered the 200 or so participants of the half-day SeniorDigizen Learning Session at the Skydome of SM North Edsa the basics of using smartphones via Globe, how to use GCash for financial transactions and KonsultaMD for online medical consultations, and how to create a Gmail account through Google.

The experts explained how smartphones allowed users not only to call, text and take photos and videos of the performance of television and movie personality Chuckie Dreyfuss at the event. They also stressed how smartphones could make seniors’ lives easier, better and more convenient; and broaden their horizons by making the most of its built-in features.

Online scams, like phishing, were also briefly covered.

Simple and easy

Ernest Cu, Globe Group president and chief executive officer, says there is a “need to teach seniors how to use digital technologies,” as he points out that almost all transactions can now be done digitally and the smartphone is the most convenient tool for performing new tasks.

He says Globe “is committed to guiding seniors through the transition.”

“As digitalization accelerates, tech adoption should be simple and easy for everyone, no matter the age. Technology should not be intimidating or difficult for our seniors, and they should be able to enjoy its benefits. The goal of our #SeniorDigizens campaign is to equip them with knowledge that will help them adopt new tech and apps that address their day-to-day pain points,” says Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group chief sustainability and corporate communications officer.

Liza Reyes, Globe Group public relations and communications strategy head, adds that the campaign aims to ensure seniors are not left behind in the fast-paced digital era. “This event (Teach Me How to Digi) is our commitment to ensuring that they are not just consumers of technology but actively engaged in the evolving tech-savvy society.”

Better grasp of digital tech

Jay Beltran, head of sales and marketing of SM’s Digital Advantage Corp., says the mall chain shares Globe’s vision of “digitalizing seniors,” as the retail giant has long given seniors priority in its initiatives .

Frank Quijano, chair and CEO of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), says the NCSC has also made efforts “to bring the elderly into the digital space safely” and is happy to find an ally in the private sector.

Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay of the United Senior Citizens Partylist and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte supported Teach Me How to Digi by sending delegates to the event.

Quezon City, Belmonte says, gives seniors top priority in public services. “This project is key in helping them transition into a digital life and help them enjoy the benefits of modern technology.”

Although the session was too brief for participants to really explore what smartphones offer, it might encourage and inspire seniors to delve deeper into their various offerings.

Perhaps, a better grasp of digital technology may just turn them into social media influencers or TikTok stars. —CONTRIBUTED