Seniors to get help navigating digital world
Persons 65 and over confounded by the ‘click’, ‘scroll down’ and ‘open new tab’ requests of the online world are now getting much needed aid.
This as the National Library Service has teamed up with First- Caribbean International Bank (FCIB) and telecommunications company FLOW to ensure seniors become more comfortable and proficient in conducting online transactions on the World Wide Web.
During the media launch of the ‘Digital Literacy: Empowering Our Elderly in the Digital Age’ yesterday, Acting Director of the National Library Service Jennifer Yarde stated that the programme, which will run for two-weeks, is critical in today’s society.
“In the age of ever changing technology, our senior citizens are at risk of being left behind if they are not taught the ordinary skills in order to keep up. Since the onset of Covid-19, there has been a shift in the way persons are forced to do business and that includes our senior citizens. Every day, new and different applications arise and words such as ‘connect, click, double click, chat, flick and scroll’ have taken on new meaning, at times overwhelming even the youngest amongst us…It is therefore necessary to develop ways to help the older adults enhance their digital competencies, as the old adage goes ‘a society is measured by the way it treats its elderly’,” she stated.
Yarde said by becoming more adept at handling the computer, the elderly will no longer have to stand in long lines outside of some businesses and therefore their safety will be somewhat ensured during the Covid-19 pandemic as by conducting matters from their own homes.
“To you the participants, after successfully completing this training, you would be able to make internet transactions – whether it be internet banking, paying bills, managing your money, ordering groceries or navigating government portals such as Tamis – from the safety of your homes,” she continued.
Head of Retail Banking of FCIB Michelle Whitelaw commended the Service for the initiative, speaking on how difficult it was to get some of the older generation to embrace technology, and stressing the need for them to adapt and keep up with the changes.
“This programme teaches that you are never too old to learn,” she noted, pointing out that many persons are now at ease in attending church via Zoom, reading books on tablets and paying taxes online.
Meanwhile, Flow Operations Manager Paul Watson also lauded the initiative, outlining the telecommunications giant’s commitment to ensuring communities are equipped with the resources necessary during this time of perpetual change.
The project begins next week with 10 persons selected from the various library branches across the island, and training will be held at the Speightstown, Bridgetown and Six Roads locations.
(JMB)