Change the password, set biometric data, photos of the grandchildren as a background image – more and more older people have a smartphone, but cannot handle it. Seniors who want to learn how to do more with the small miracle than just calls were found on Thursday morning in the Vienna Business School.
“Smartphone simply explained for pensioners” was the subject of an event in the first class. Seniors were numerous. Most with very special worries, as some of the “crown” described. “For example, I learned how I can now change my password because I had such a long password,” says a lady.
Minister of Social Affairs Korinna Schumann (Spö) was also published, although she has her birthday today. She got a bouquet of flowers and even a cake with spray plug. The young students spontaneously taught a birthday senade.
The more older people familiarize themselves with the digital world, the better. However, it is important that there are also analogue options, especially when it comes to the office. The government also laid down this in its program, Schumann emphasizes. Ingrid Korosec of the seniors’ Association agrees with the minister. She uses the mobile phone for everything “because I need it,” Korosec told the “Kroon”.
The government program indicates the way
“All access to or applications for public administration must be stored analogously,” says the government program. There must always be a personal, written or telephone option in administration and public interest. In addition to electronic shipping, it must be ensured that notifications or official information, for example, are also made available for free as an expression on paper.
Requests, request and agreements in public administration must still be available in analogous form. In addition, there must be special support measures to increase digital skills and to deal with artificial intelligence for the elderly.
In the course of the “Granny Goes Smartphone” project, the students also produced a dozens of explanatory video. The short films explain, among other things, how you can change a ringtone, photograph a screenshot or delete apps.
“I can’t stop digitizing, but I can ride it”
The fact is that digitization cannot be stopped – but not everyone can keep track of! In conversation with the “Kroon”, Ingrid Korosec appears as a “vigilant fan” of the digital world. The thoroughbred representative sees great opportunities in modern progress: “Telegothes, e-recipes, digital officials or nurse robotics can make the lives of the elderly considerably easier,” says Korosec.
Sick or single people benefit from digital offers in particular. But there are also many dark sides, because the facts weigh heavily: about 30 percent of the older population is not sufficiently competent and every second is hit by 75 to 84 year olds. A shortage that apparently finally calls politically on the plan.
Four “bids from seniors” for politics and companies
“We don’t have to leave anyone behind. Digitization should not lead to the new exclusion,” warns the boss of pensioner and sets clear demands on politics, the business community and civil society.
- Freedom of choice instead of coercion: all digital offers must remain analogous in the future – of visiting a doctor to ask the office until the discount marking.
- More education: Free training must strengthen digital skills – “practical, simple and understandable” is the motto.
- Simplify Technology: devices, programs and applications must be intuitive.
- Financial support: internet costs, software descriptions and technical devices are a major burden for pensioners. More solidarity for the older generation is required.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
