Technological advancements catering to the needs of senior citizens

Tech-Savvy Seniors Embrace Digital Transformation in Hà Nội

Technological advancements catering to the needs of senior citizens

In the heart of Hà Nội's Cầu Giấy District, the seniors of Dịch Vọng Hậu Ward are refusing to be left behind in the race against time. They're jumping headfirst into the digital world, with a little help from a special AI class led by retired lecturer Đinh Ngọc Sơn.

Sơn's classroom might not be your typical lecture hall, but it's always bustling with activity. The compact room, just a few dozen square meters, is packed with curious minds eager to learn. And these aren't your run-of-the-mill students - they're seniors, spry and eager to adapt to the digital age.

| ||--------------|| Leaving no room for excuses, instructor Sơn encourages a positive mindset. VNS Photo Lê Hương |

The classes, part of a rotating series of three consecutive sessions, cater to about 15 to 20 learners each.They run in the morning or evening to cater to various routines, with the only prerequisites being a smartphone and a lust for knowledge.

Instructor Sơn always encourages seniors to think positively. VNS Photo Lê Hương

"As soon as the class was announced, it filled up in ten minutes," shared 72-year-old participant Trần Thu Hiền. "People in the neighborhood rushed to register. Within just half a day, the class was full. With that kind of enthusiasm, we knew we had to open more sessions. The demand is huge."

Starting Small and Growing Strong

The first step for these tech-timid seniors? Creating a Gmail account. From there, they learn to master the art of online searches and how to download useful apps such as ChatGPT or Gemini as well as apps to navigate public transport, book rides, or access platforms like VNeID.

This digital transformation journey isn't without its challenges. For instance, many students struggle with remembering their phone passwords - a common issue as some phones still belong to their children. But with patience, practice, and the help of supportive volunteers like Kiều Diễm Hương, progress is inevitable.

Dương Sơn Thạc shares his mobile phone skills with his neighbours. VNS Photo Lê Hương

A Newfound Confidence

For 75-year-old Dương Sơn Thạc, the classes have brought a renewed confidence in using his smartphone. "Before, I just fumbled around, but now I'm no longer afraid of being scammed. I'm even setting up a TikTok account to share photos of my family and friends," Thạc shared.

Cautious Lessons for Protecting Seniors

Sơn and his dedicated team of volunteers emphasize the importance of caution when navigating the digital world, especially when it comes to financial apps. "We always remind them: don't be afraid, but don't be greedy. If something promises high returns or easy money, it's likely a scam. Stay smart, and you'll stay safe," Sơn advised.

Thạc is now great at making photos and videos. VNS Photo Lê Hương

Photojournalist An Thành Đạt also joins the team, teaching seniors how to take better photos. "Their minds are sharp, their energy is high, but their joints are a bit slower. What really stands out is their drive to stay connected through technology," Đạt shared.

A Digital Haven for Seniors

Though initially tentative, the seniors have embraced the digital world with vigor. Over just a few months, hundreds of seniors have walked through Sơn's virtual classroom doors. Sơn's approach is simple yet effective, starting with user-friendly applications and gradually introducing more complex ones.

As social media continues to explode, Sơn stresses the importance of sharing only appropriate and meaningful content. He aims to foster a digital haven for seniors, enabling them to connect, communicate, and thrive in the modern world. And judging by the success of his classes, he's off to a pretty good start!

Volunteer Kiều Diễm Hương (right) supports a senior while she uses her mobile phone. VNS Photo Lê Hương

"Instructor Soñ's classroom, though compact, is consistently filled with seniors from Dićh Voŋ Hạuh Ward, eager to adapt to the digital age and attend his special AI class."
"Within minutes of announcing the class, registrations flooded in, demonstrating the demand for digital literacy among the elderly population."
"The first essential digital skill taught in these classes is creating a Gmail account, which serves as a foundation for mastering online searches and downloading useful apps like ChatGPT and Gemini."
"Among the most valuable lessons these seniors learn is the significance of caution when navigating the digital world, particularly with regard to financial apps."
"Proud of his newfound ability, 75-year-old Duõng Soñ Thaç now confidently shares photos of his family and friends on TikTok, a platform he initially shied away from."
"Photojournalist An Thạnh Dạt, recognizing the seniors' potential, joins the team to teach them the art of taking better photos, fostering a sense of creativity and connection."
"Through user-friendly applications and incremental learning, the classes have empowered hundreds of seniors to embrace the digital world, fostering a community that enables them to communicate, connect, and thrive in the modern era."