In Asia, numerous local initiatives help seniors go digital

In India, young people are teaching older people how to use new technologies to stay in contact with their families and doctors. — gawrav/IStock.com/AFP

In times of pandemic and social distancing, the elderly need, more than ever, to know how to use digital tools in order to stay in touch with relatives and doctors. That's why, in several parts of the world, local groups are offering dedicated training for senior citizens to not be left out when it comes to tech solutions.

In China, several NGOs help senior citizens who don't feel comfortable using new technologies. In the Jiangsu region, several hundreds of training centres offer classes on how to use a smartphone. The aim is to teach the elderly how to use instant messaging applications such as WeChat or how to make an appointment online with their doctor via dedicated applications, or how to scan a QR code. All these things have become part of our everyday lives in the era of the Covid-19 pandemic.