Supporting the elderly to integrate into digital life

Officials of Nang Tinh ward ( Nam Dinh city) guide the elderly in the area to use digital services.

3 years ago, Ms. Le Thi Thuoc (75 years old), Hoa Vuong Urban Area (Nam Dinh city) was given a smartphone by her daughter so that her children and grandchildren could make video calls to help her see images of her children and grandchildren far away. She said, “Not only do I keep in touch with my children and grandchildren, but I can also see and talk to them from afar. In addition, I can also listen to the news, watch my favorite entertainment programs... Gradually, I realized that the conveniences of digital technology play an important role in modern life, so when the neighborhood association organizes propaganda sessions on policies and guidelines; guides and supports people in digital transformation, I actively participate. Through listening to propaganda and mobilization, I also actively encourage my children and grandchildren to register for a chip-embedded citizen identification card, activate and use an electronic identification account, and use online public services to become digital citizens. Currently, I directly use my health insurance card from the VssID software on my phone. When I go to the hospital, I do not have to present my health insurance card, citizen identification card, and declare information like before, I just need to scan the code, check on the system, the information and registration are displayed quickly, the registration procedure is quick and simple, I am very satisfied.”

As for Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh (71 years old), head of residential group No. 1, Truong Thi ward (Nam Dinh city), the smartphone has also helped him perform well his role and tasks in grassroots work. Currently, 18,000 elderly people in the province participate in the work of the Party, government, and grassroots organizations; tens of thousands of elderly people are the economic pillars of their families, including nearly 300 elderly people who own farms, nearly 200 elderly people who own businesses, over 5,000 elderly people who are good at economics at all levels and 120 elderly people who are outstandingly good at economics all use digital technology to serve their daily lives as well as exchange information via zalo and facebook groups, connect, share information with each other, and reduce travel time and effort.

The use of smart technology devices for the elderly has become a new trend, helping them change their lives, quickly perceive, keep up with the digital age 4.0, integrate with young people so as not to be left behind. However, there are still many barriers that make it difficult for the elderly to participate in digital transformation. That is the age barrier that makes the elderly reluctant to approach digital transformation. In addition, updating and filtering information on the internet must also be careful, avoiding being scammed in many forms such as: buying functional foods, sales consulting, other forms of fraud on cyberspace... difficult to distinguish, recognize, so it is easy for subjects to take advantage of and scam.

To facilitate the participation of the elderly in promoting digital transformation, on February 20, 2025, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 379/QD-TTg approving the Project "Elderly people participate in promoting digital transformation, green transformation, entrepreneurship and job creation". This is the basis for the elderly to participate in promoting digital transformation; improve the quality of material and spiritual life; continue to set good examples, educate the younger generation to ensure political security, social order and safety, build and protect the Fatherland. The specific goal of the Project by 2035 is to strive for 100% of cadres, members, and elderly people to be educated and have their awareness raised about digital transformation, green transformation, entrepreneurship and job creation; 70% of the elderly will be proficient in basic digital skills: online public services; online shopping; online payment, self-protection in cyberspace and use of digital platforms.

To implement the Project in the province, departments, branches, provincial unions, People's Committees of districts and cities proactively review and integrate the activities of the elderly participating in promoting digital transformation, green transformation, entrepreneurship and job creation into programs, plans and related socio-economic development activities of the sector, locality and unit. Communicate to improve the capacity of the team of officials implementing the Project and officials, members, and elderly people on digital transformation, green transformation, entrepreneurship and job creation; the role and position of the elderly in promoting digital transformation, green transformation, entrepreneurship and job creation for the sustainable development of the country. Pilot the model of the elderly participating in promoting digital transformation, green transformation, entrepreneurship and job creation. Strengthen international cooperation, mobilize resources to support the effective implementation of the Project's activities. In addition to active support in policies and resources from all levels and sectors in caring for and creating all conditions for the elderly to access information technology in all areas of life; the participation of community digital technology groups and intergenerational self-help clubs in localities in supporting the elderly to keep up with the digital transformation process, the elderly also need companionship and assistance from their families and relatives, especially those who have used technology proficiently, to help them overcome initial difficulties; exploit the benefits of digital technology in daily life, confidently integrate into the digital society, and contribute to building a comprehensive digital society.

Article and photos: Nguyen Huong

Source: https://baonamdinh.vn/xa-hoi/202505/ho-tro-nguoi-cao-tuoi-hoi-nhapcuoc-songso-e3e5dc9/