Seniors pick up useful tips from digital workshop

Participants Sathya Narayanan, 73, (left) and Kong, 90, learning to use the features in their smartphones. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star

A 90-YEAR-old was the oldest participant at a digital workshop held by Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran.

The senior, who lives in Section 10, Petaling Jaya and wished to be known only as Kong, said he was left with little choice but to learn to use some of the functions of his smartphone.

“I first learnt how to use the MySejahtera app because some shops no longer provided us with books to write down our personal information for customer record purposes.

“Now, some public buses also rely on the digital system.”

Another senior participant, 66-year-old businessman Liow BH, said he drove down from Shah Alam to attend the workshop. He is looking forward to more of such educational classes.

He was compelled to learn to use it as his customers wanted to communicate with him through WhatsApp.

“I welcome more workshops for seniors. I don’t even mind paying to learn,” he said.

Learning from his children was a challenge, he added, because they had less patience when coaching him.

Rajiv, meanwhile, said the gap between those who were tech-savvy and those who were not was becoming wider.

“We noticed that many seniors who have smartphones do not know how to fully utilise them.

“I also know of younger adults, such as those in their 30s, who simply cannot afford a smartphone. They too are being left out,” he said.

Rajiv said with tech knowledge, senior citizens could be connected to information even during a lockdown; otherwise they would be left feeling isolated and helpless.