3 minute read
GET LIT
Digitally LITerate!
by Nikki Davis, MBA
The world has changed in the last 50 years, with many of us hardly remembering a world without HDTV, YouTube, and electric cars.
In a flash, technological advancements have accelerated, creating amazing opportunities to connect to services via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology. In fact, using GPS to get to your next destination and streaming your favorite TV shows have become the norm. Today you can use an App to call anyone around the globe, to deliver your pizza, groceries, and prescriptions, not to mention to find out what your friends are up to through social media.
Now, in what is referred to as the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), increasing interconnectivity and smart automation have taken digital technology to a whole new level, continuing to change industry and society. And, while it’s a struggle to keep pace, there is no turning back.
Despite the fast pace of change in this digital age, many people who haven’t grown up with this technology are challenged with learning how to use their computers, much less with staying on top of the latest technological advances.
WHY GET DIGITALLY LIT?
Prior to 2020, many older adults had not crossed the “digital divide.” Then, the pandemic changed everything. Lockdowns forced a new world on us all leaving digital casualties along the way, mostly in the form of older, lower income, and communities of color.
Work became “Tele-Work”; Doctor visits were “Tele-Health”; and visits with friends and family were “Tele-Conference.”
YOU’RE NOT TOO OLD FOR DIGITAL LITERACY
We may think older adults are immune or apathetic about digital literacy – but no! WISE polled older adults engaged in digital literacy training to gauge what they wanted to learn. Here’s what they told us:
Older adults want to learn to use a computer to:
• Access the Internet, especially news
• Shop
• Make doctor’s appointments
• Look for a job
• Write a book
• Watch YouTube
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
KEEPING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE – The pandemic brought the use of apps, websites, and YouTube videos for exercise to the forefront, engaging many people including older adults.
ENABLING INDEPENDENT LIVING and a chance to age in place with devices that automate, order, and send alerts to emergency officials and loved ones to keep people safe, connected, active and cared for.
SMART HOME TECH ASSISTANTS can send reminders to take medication and feed the dog.
And how about REDUCING SOCIAL ISOLATION with virtual pets, video portals for communicating, and of course, Zoom!
For those yet to retire, continued ENGAGEMENT IN THE WORKFORCE ONLINE is a way to keep money coming in.
Data collected from our WISE Connections digital literacy post-course surveys show that:
• Over 80% of participants were age 66+
• 50% represented communities of color
• Over ¾ had earned a college degree
• And while 70%+ were not working or looking, nearly a quarter were looking for work.
The 21st Century has brought tremendous innovations in technology that can benefit all generations. If you’re looking to learn more about the digital world, find a class at Wise Connections and begin your journey to be digitally lit!
