José Luis, Gerardo, Francisca, Carmen, Adoración, María Dolores, Juan, María Concepción, and Antonio are enthusiastic about continuing their learning journey, even if it means waking up early. They joke, “We are retired, we have the time.” These nine individuals are participants at the senior center in La Orotava. They recently completed the Mayor.es 3 course, a project funded by the Department of Social Rights, Equality, Diversity, and Youth of the Government of the Canary Islands and conducted by the Rayuela Association.
They began the course on February 21, and their last class was on Friday, leaving them eager for more. Time flew by as they learned about computers and how to utilise their smartphones, fueling their growing interest in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). For them, age is not a barrier; on the contrary, Oliver and Sofía, their young instructors, have the patience to motivate them to embrace technology in an increasingly digitalized world, which this group has had to adapt to.
The primary goal of the course is to bridge the digital divide and foster intergenerational connections with their children and grandchildren. Proficiency in ICTs is essential for a smoother and more frequent interaction, contributing to their emotional well-being.
During the course, they learned how to use Bizum, send emails, and placed great emphasis on online communication due to the increasing importance of online administrative procedures. They now have the knowledge to purchase items online and book medical appointments. Oliver mentions that they did not delve as deeply into bank transfers due to concerns from some participants, but they are willing to explore it further if there is interest.
They also covered the cybersecurity aspect, educating participants on how to identify and handle fraudulent emails and messages, thereby protecting them from online scams that often target older individuals. Sofía stresses the importance of equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the online world safely.
Francisca Hernández Pacheco can now transfer photos from her computer to a pendrive, take screenshots on her phone, and create videos with minimal errors. She had studied computer science when she was younger but had forgotten much of what she had learned. She had been trying to enrol in the course for years but always missed out, so she appreciates the opportunity. Jorge, who already owned a computer, attended the classes to enhance his skills and found the experience enriching. Juan, who always had an interest in computers but never had the time to learn, finally took the plunge with this course.
For Gerardo, studying computer science had been a longstanding desire that was finally fulfilled through this course. He hopes for an extension to delve deeper into the subject. Carmen Luis Pérez echoes the sentiment, wishing the course was longer to cover a broader range of topics, as they all feel there is more to learn.
Oliver and Sofía also benefited from the experience. Their patience played a crucial role in engaging the participants, as they understand that the elderly may find technology challenging. They emphasise the importance of empowering the participants to be self-sufficient in online tasks, reducing their dependence on family members.
Active listening is another skill they employ, adapting their teaching approach to suit the participants’ interests and needs. The project includes personalised tutoring to address any queries promptly and provide support when needed.
Juan acknowledges the significance of learning to use technology in their retirement years, emphasising the need to adapt to the digital age. Dolores concurs, highlighting the importance of familiarity with technology in various aspects of their lives. José Luis adds, “The more we know, the better.”
The second computer course spanned 40 hours, similar to those offered in other municipalities, and the duration is determined by the spaces and schedules provided by the local authorities. Oliver suggests an ideal two-week course with four hours per day. He hopes for the project’s continuation on an annual basis to offer more comprehensive learning opportunities and support.
The Significance of Closing the Digital Gap for Individuals Over 64 Years Old
The project benefits one hundred individuals over 64 years old from the northern region of Tenerife, specifically from municipalities like Valle (La Orotava, Los Realejos, and Puerto de la Cruz), Icod de los Vinos, Los Silos, Buenavista del Norte, Garachico, and San Juan de la Rambla. The main objective is to bridge the digital gap by guiding and advising them on the utility of ICTs in daily life and administrative tasks. It also aims to promote social participation, provide information on aid and benefits, and raise awareness about the risks of technology addiction.
