Seniors get acquainted with electronic devices to gain independence

technology

KEEPING up with the times is necessary, especially when it comes to being tech-savvy.

Many of the country’s senior citizens have been trying to meet today’s technology-oriented demands — demands that have infiltrated our daily lives, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the nation early last year.

The need to use applications, such as MySejahtera, has motivated many seniors to acquire a working knowledge of apps and devices.

However, it has not been an easy learning process for those who have not had any guidance or possess updated devices.

Persatuan Kebajikan Usiamas Malaysia president Datuk Rohaini Mohd Yusof, 66, said many seniors were facing challenges as more businesses shifted online.

“The pandemic has forced me to learn many things within a short time just to stay relevant and engaged.

“If I go to the bank with my walking stick, they allow me in without an appointment but otherwise, I am told to make appointments online.

“With the help of my niece, I have managed to record videos for online conferences using a green screen behind me.

“Not everyone is as fortunate. In fact, many seniors do not even have smartphones or access to Internet,” said Rohaini.

She added that more programmes should be created for older citizens so that they could to use smartphones effectively.

“The best way is to provide workshops for seniors through community activities,” she suggested.

“When Usiamas conducted an online workshop, many did not know what a Zoom meeting was or even heard of Google Meet.

“Several seniors, though, did cycle to the community centre to join our online meeting, with the help of some younger ones.

“Most seniors only know how to receive and make calls using basic mobile phones.

“But they can also be involved in online activities if they know how to do video conferencing, use WhatsApp, perform online banking and make purchases, including ordering food if they wished to.

“Family members, especially children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, can play their part by educating their senior family members and friends so that they can live independently,” added Rohaini.

She feels the younger generation should also help out by providing their elders with the necessary amenities such as the Internet and suitable devices.

“This will enable their kin in the village to stay better connected with their own friends and family, both near and far.

“I am not embarrassed to learn from my nieces and nephews because I believe in lifelong learning.

“I have noticed that seniors are happy to meet through Zoom and Google Meet. They have so much to say when they see their friends face-to-face online.

“I have friends who have installed applications on their phones to play games for leisure. This keeps them happy and entertained too,” said Rohaini.

The seniors could have more privacy if they were able to carry out online banking matters themselves, she added.

It was suggested that university students and the younger generation could be roped in to provide tech education for the seniors.

A wider world to engage with

Senior citizen Eileen Thong, 75, said apps like MySejahtera should have language options such as Mandarin and Tamil.

“This will be helpful to more seniors.

“I went to the vaccination centre alone because I did not want my family members to be exposed to large crowds.

“I know how to use MySejahtera and was able to follow the requirements.

“However, I saw many seniors who were much younger and physically fit, but they needed to be accompanied because they just did not know how to use the app,” said Thong.

Seniors should be taught to use the e-wallet as cashless transactions are gaining popularity, she said.

“Even council parking has shifted to digital payment. I hope all these applications will come with language options because many seniors are only familiar with their mother tongue when it comes to understanding finer details,” said Thong.

Vimala Devi Sinnadurai, 66, is still working. She has kept herself abreast with the times because it is important for her work in the tourism sector. It also helps her to stay relevant with her peers.

“I was among the first in my family and friends to use Yahoo chat in 1996. We had big desktops when I was working for an international women’s group. I was already able to send emails and chat with my peers abroad.

“These days, especially during the pandemic, I use video conferencing for our association and hybrid meetings,” said the mother of three.

She added that she had relied on YouTube and Google to learn how to participate in online chats and meetings.

“I have always been interested in self-improvement and learning about the latest tech-related matters. This has enabled me to continue working and be self-sustaining.”

Meanwhile, social activist Kuan Chee Heng, 58, echoed the sentiment that many seniors would be left out if they fell behind in embracing technology.

He too knows of seniors who were unable to use the MySejahtera application because they did not own a smartphone, lacked Internet access or the right knowledge.