Digital training helps seniors connect
Technology has been a vital method of connection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has created fundamental changes in the home, in families and in the workplace. As social distancing, lockdowns and quarantines have become part of the new reality, the importance of technology has surged to the forefront. This new digital age for seniors has been born of necessity. Technology has become a primary mode of communication: from Zoom sessions to Facebook, the ability to embrace technology has assisted in helping to combat isolation and loneliness while providing new skills and confidence. Telehealth usage has surged over the past few months, with many seniors unable to leave home for doctors appointments. These virtual appointments and telehealth sessions require seniors to have a level of understanding and capacity to get online, operate their equipment and communicate with a doctor without some of the normal cues from in-person interaction.
Cyber-Seniors, a company developed from a high-school project in 2009 and the source of an award-winning documentary, is one of many resources that has stepped up to help seniors develop their technological acumen. The Cyber-Seniors program bridges the digital divide and connects generations through technology. It enlists youth volunteers to become digital mentors to train seniors who not only gain access to effective technology training, but meet young people who keep them socially connected and engaged. Technological literacy has allowed seniors to communicate in a time when physical gatherings are restricted. Nancy Siciliana, co-ordinator at Cyber-Seniors, believes that being able to use technology has helped alleviate a sense of isolation at seniors’ facilities.
“One of the reasons why we exist is to address the issue of isolation in seniors communities. This became magnified when we went into lockdown,” says Siciliana. “So much of what seniors need to do to stay independent is no longer possible because movement is limited, so it really became a necessity to learn tech skills in order to navigate through this.” “There’s a misconception of seniors not wishing to learn technology and a misconception about seniors not being able to understand technology. The desire to learn technology is quite profound and it has only become more pronounced through COVID-19.” Siciliana has seen the demand for Cyber-Seniors grow exponentially during the pandemic, with programs started in seniors communities around the world. She believes that the intergenerational relationships created through the mentorship provide a large benefit to both the youth and seniors. “These programs open up possibilities for connection and engagement. People in both age groups continue to learn and they continue to influence each other.”
Sheila Broadbent and Ginette Raphael are two seniors who have been provided technological equipment and training by the Oakridge Community Association. They have both found that technology has helped them through the challenges presented by the current pandemic. “The technology has enabled me to get in touch with people that I couldn’t get in touch with before,” says Broadbent. “I’m discovering things all the time so I can do different things with the technology.” For Raphael, technology has allowed her to not only form new friendships, but it has allowed her to serve her community as well. “I received an Android tablet from the Oakridge Seniors Association, and I use it to get together with other seniors to watch movies and we get together once a week to discuss each film,” says Raphael. “I also use the tablet to teach Oakridge seniors French as a second language on Zoom. “I’ve met more seniors utilizing technology than I did before. We have formed a nice bond that has also now extended beyond the computer, this was because of the bond created on Zoom.” Both Broadbent and Raphael admit that they were hesitant to embrace the technology at first, a sentiment both women believe is common among seniors. “I wasn’t enthusiastic about using technology before because I know it takes up a lot of your time, but it is really important, especially right now,” says Broadbent.
“There are a lot of things that we can’t do otherwise because seniors also have the problem of transportation and getting to places, so we’re more homebound than before. “Since I’ve started using technology, it’s helped out immensely. If seniors have someone there to help them, I think seniors will realize how much it makes life easier.” Technology may seem daunting at first, especially for seniors, but with some help, empathy and training, anything is possible, and the possibilities are truly endless.
~Article originally published in Calgary Herald (August 31, 2020 edition)
