Bridging the Digital Divide for Seniors
“I first encountered computers during my undergraduate years in the late 1970s and early 1980s,” shared Mr. Han Cheng Kwang, a retired civil engineer and volunteer trainer who offers drone lessons to seniors. “We were taught Fortran programming and used punched cards the size of envelopes for data input, output, and storage. Computers processed the holes in these cards to execute commands, leading us to accumulate stacks for various functions. Back then, coding and technology were quite primitive.”
The Evolution of Computers Society can be a master manipulator, subtly shaping our perceptions and ideas until we accept them without question. It’s a misconception that older adults view computers as incomprehensible. In recent years, efforts have been made to encourage our silver generation to become more tech-savvy.
However, not all seniors are digitally inept. Mastering digital skills involves more than just knowing popular apps, scanning QR codes, entering OTPs promptly, or sharing dance videos on TikTok. While some may require guidance, it’s unreasonable to dominate the narrative with tales of elderly individuals struggling to master technology.
Moreover, the IT knowledge that some seniors acquired in their youth differs significantly from what is taught today. “Back then, we regarded computers as a sort of ‘electric typewriter’ since we didn’t have terminals,” explained Ms. Natalie Tan Ngah Leng, who, alongside her husband Mr. Goh Teng Chiew, was among the first computer science students at Nanyang University, Singapore’s first institution to offer such training.
“It could be frustrating at times since we couldn’t see what we were typing,” Ms. Natalie added. “Identifying errors involved sifting through punched cards to find the one with the incorrect hole.”
Mr. Goh elaborated, “Different colored punched cards represented different sections. They had to be sorted in the correct order for the computer to function. Word documents have made things significantly easier; at least we can see what we type, and there’s an auto-correct feature.”
For many seniors, owning and maintaining technology was once prohibitively expensive.
Changes in Technology Access “Nowadays, we don’t need to own a car to drive. We can rent or share one and pay for the time we use,” noted Madam Cheong Lai Siong, a former IBM employee for 30 years and founder of the digital training agency Orchid Creative, which teaches seniors digital scrapbooking. “Similarly, we don’t have to own a device to enjoy automation. We have on-demand music and entertainment streaming services, we pay for the cloud storage we require, and many applications are free for everyday convenience.”
“Back then, mainframe computers were all we had,” Madam Cheong reminisced. “These ‘Big Iron’ machines were housed in air-conditioned rooms, maintained by a team of skilled systems engineers. Only major clients, like Fortune 500 companies and banks, could afford them. Email was a luxury; we only had BitNet, and you needed to be part of an institution that paid for a digital mailing system to have an email address.”
“Now, we enjoy the convenience of computers at home and smartphones wherever we go,” Mr. Goh stated. “In the early days, we could only access computers at dedicated centers, and their screens displayed only green text with no images or colors, making it dull and exhausting.”
The rise of the internet, search engines, e-commerce, and related services transformed what was once a privilege into accessible resources, lowering the barriers for innovation.
Addressing the Digital Divide “We have entered an era of personalization, with companies developing various solutions for diverse purposes,” Madam Cheong explained. “We can accomplish anything online, and everyone is vying for attention. This evolution is even more significant than the arrival of the World Wide Web in the late ’80s and early ’90s.” Madam Cheong joined IBM in 1986, during a time when IT was not yet recognized as an industry.
“I consider myself fortunate,” she reflected. “I’ve witnessed how the company shaped the industry as PCs emerged in the ‘90s, progressing through cloud computing, data analytics, and mobile technology today.”
Mr. Han, Mr. Goh, and Ms. Natalie share similar sentiments, feeling blessed to have learned early on. “I remember when the tech market could only accommodate about 60 graduates per year,” Mr. Goh recalled. “It wasn’t until later that more IT companies engaged with the government and civil service to transition to digital systems, leading to the establishment of relevant rules and regulations.”
The seniors identified this period as when the digital divide widened, leaving some individuals unintentionally behind as technology rapidly advanced. “Singapore transitioned from a third-world to a first-world country within a generation, and unfortunately, some missed the opportunity for education that matched this rapid growth,” Madam Cheong said.
Navigating New Standards To bridge the gap, individuals once left behind must now navigate a domain that previously felt out of reach. They need to learn new skills independently, such as operating a new washing machine, often without an instruction manual.
“We used to have user guides for nearly everything, including remote controls,” Ms. Natalie observed. “With smart devices and applications, there’s an assumption that intuitive design negates the need for user guides. This creates unspoken standards that complicate the learning process for new users.”
Seniors must navigate unfamiliar terminology and concepts, which adds another layer of difficulty, especially for those who primarily speak languages other than English.
This realization has motivated the four interviewees to provide guidance to fellow seniors. “We understand their challenges,” Mr. Goh emphasized. “Many seniors fear what might happen after clicking certain buttons on their smartphones, leading to panic when things don’t go as expected. This is especially true for online banking or e-payment apps.”
“Some seniors adopt a systematic approach to learning, bringing notebooks to jot down instructions. We encourage this and allow them the time to do so. It aids in their retention of information,” he added.
“We modify our teaching pace and objectives and include translators when possible to enhance comprehension,” Mr. Han mentioned, referring to the extensive training programs he has conducted for students from diverse backgrounds. “We go slow for those who struggle with reading what appears on their screens or have difficulty manipulating their smartphones.”
Moreover, Madam Cheong highlighted that we must not only focus on teaching technology but also address the emotional needs of seniors. “Feedback often indicates that even when their children offer help, they expect seniors to remember everything after a single explanation.”
“When they struggle, they may hesitate to return to their children for clarification. I’ve encountered educated seniors who have developed a phobia of technology due to their children’s indifference. Conversely, seniors eager to learn see messaging and video calls as ways to connect with loved ones. It’s the little things that truly make a difference.”
Fostering Confidence and Practicality The four seniors believe that digital lessons for the elderly must encompass two key elements: practicality and confidence. Not all seniors are interested in sharing their lives online, so lessons on e-services and communication tools may be more beneficial for their everyday lives.
Additionally, it’s vital to boost their confidence and provide a sense of achievement after they learn a new skill. “Ultimately, it all comes down to the emotional incentives tied to acquiring new digital skills,” Mr. Han reminded.
“Cities are not uniform, and neither are people,” Madam Cheong asserted. “Individuals seek to learn for various reasons, and we must motivate and sustain their interest. It’s more valuable to tailor technology to meet seniors’ needs, enabling those at any skill level to adopt and apply it easily in their daily lives.”
As technology continues to advance, we may eventually reach a point where digital literacy is essential. The seniors exhibited no frustration when discussing punched cards and mainframe computers, so why can’t we extend that same patience in return?
Before long, our grandchildren may “tsk” at us for not understanding quantum computing or for lacking a glamorous presence in the metaverse. While these notions may seem like science fiction, trends often come full circle, so who knows what the future holds?
