Editorial | Digital anxiety

The Internet, smart phones, and computers are among the tools needed in the current age to navigate daily tasks. But it is easily recognised that there is a significant gap between those who are tech-savvy and those who are not. Senior citizens are disproportionately represented in the latter group, and some might even be suffering from digital anxiety. It is a pressing issue affecting thousands of Jamaicans over 65 and we think it deserves national attention.

More and more we are seeing in Jamaica, services adopting an effective “digital” approach which systematically excludes people who do not have a smartphone or use the Internet.

This is why we feel compelled to applaud the 37 seniors who recently competed a 10-week digital literacy course at the HEART College of Innovation and Technology in St. James under auspices of the National Council for Senior Citizens (NSCS).

Indeed, the course completion and graduation of these senior citizens was an excellent way to close-out Senior Citizens’ Month, which was commemorated this year under the theme: “Promoting Healthy, Active, Productive Ageing”.

Addressing the graduation ceremony, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr spelt out the importance of embracing technology, to enhance functionality in society and to guard against threats such as scamming.

Elderly folk, especially those in rural settings face accessibility issues, as well as socio-economic barriers and fear of being scammed. So, it is reasonable to conclude that a significant amount of seniors have low digital literacy and are outside the digital loop.

Despite these well-documented challenges, there are resources and strategies to help seniors overcome their digital anxiety. These strategies tend to involve a combination of education, support and practice from government and its agencies, community-based organisations, private sector and families.

FOCAL POINTS

We envision that community facilities such as libraries and community centres could become focal points for digital education of seniors. Technology classes or workshops and seminars could be offered at these facilities where seniors would be able to enjoy a safe, structured learning environment. Pairing younger members of the community with elders, could help seniors navigate basic features such as sending and receiving e-mails and browsing the Internet. This type of mentoring may be useful in helping seniors to overcome any apprehension they might harbour.

Government has a significant part to play in helping senior members of society bridge the digital divide. They include ensuring that government websites are user-friendly, offering subsidies or discounts on technology goods for the senior population and working with NGO’s and the private sector to enhance the effectiveness and reach of digital programmes.

Additionally, when Government is considering the development of new digital policies and services there ought to be due consideration given to the concerns and needs of the seniors in the community.

It is a fact that banks and financial institutions experience a significant amount of fraud. And even in the face of robust security measures to protect customers, many still fall prey to scammers. Perhaps, it is in the best interest of these institutions to offer educational intervention to ensure that customers are informed about the latest potential threats so they can enjoy a safer digital experience when undertaking business transactions.

On the consumer’s part it might prove useful to invest in online learning, by accessing step-by-step guides and YouTube tutorials to enhance digital skills. On-line communication demands digital skills, and this will only increase into the future.

In the end, practising digital manoeuvres will help the senior population build confidence as members shop, pay bills and do their banking and hopefully thrive in the ever-evolving digital environment.