Love

Written by Grace Pow
 
Some people think that the senior will face a lot of challenges if they have to learn about the applications of digital technology. They believe the latter may not be able to catch up mainly because technologies keep changing forever. To some extent, it could be true.

Unlike the young generations, we 60+ were raised in the 20^th century where automation and computers were uncommon. Smartphones were not even invented. Everything seemed simpler.
 
Living in a ‘smart’ era, however, we have to move forward. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, online payments, shopping and mobile information service have become more popular. The change of daily practice has motivated my friends and I to learn more about digital technology. But a few were worried that they would forget their passwords easily. Leakage of personal information was another concern. So they were hesitant to learn until they heard that the privacy policy would protect and safeguard users’ particulars. To ensure they remember their own passwords, they  wrote them down and kept them in a safe place. When the Leave Home Safe app was launched, someone from our Whatssap group forwarded the link to us. Within a short while, everyone had completed the registration.

It was indeed good news that the Hong Kong Jockey Club has partnered with 12 non-profitable organisations and mobile phone providers to give away 20,000 smartphones to elders aged 65 and above from the underprivileged groups. Basic training on how to use the phone will be offered, too. It will be easier for them to receive online information and download the Leave Home Safe and eHealth apps – the latter provides us with medical information through its electronic platform. Our health records are stored in encrypted electronic format in which only the public and private medical practitioners can read and share the information when needed. Ageing users who have registered will benefit since health follow-up work can be done more efficiently.

Over the past year, I have paid more attention to some online learning resources platforms, such as IT2 (https://www.it2.gov.hk/tc/index.php) which offer us abundant news about training courses on information technology, as well as browsing through details about payment apps. When I could pay and transfer money online successfully the 1^st time, I really gained a sense of satisfaction.

Technology brings convenience to our daily lives. As long as 60+ continue to nurture creativity in our lifelong learning, we can also lead a happy life in a smart city.