Patricia Akroosh, an 84-year-old resident of Marin, has lived a vibrant life, working as a Pan American flight attendant, a real estate agent, and even a radio DJ. (You can read more about Patricia in CTN’s Vivalon Report.) Now, she’s entered the next chapter of her life: learning how to use technology with Community Tech Network.
Need for Digital Transformation Training out of Necessity
For Patricia, learning digital skills has been “more out of necessity than [anything else].” When asked why she was interested in learning to use technology, she responded: “Because I’m forced to [in today’s world]. I want to attempt to become more familiar with the world of technology and the internet. It is nice though to learn something new that is so vital to the world today.”
Overcoming Challenges
Overall, the shift in past decades to a tech-centric society has left Patricia feeling somewhat “overwhelmed” but she has been determined to adapt and is “working on becoming more comfortable.” Patricia’s honesty reflects the reality many seniors face as they navigate the digital landscape.
However, despite her initial hesitation, Patricia embraced the learning process. In particular, she says that her instructor, Phil Schutt, greatly helped her along her journey. “Phil was very patient and available for questions,” she said, highlighting the importance of having a supportive learning environment.
Navigating Daily Life
While technology is still very new to Patricia, she admits that there are some practical benefits.
For example, “Telephone is still often preferable, but technology has made certain health tasks easier and quicker, like filling prescriptions and confirming appointments.” she notes.
She also shares that technology has allowed her to stay closer to loved ones. “It’s nice to be able to Zoom and FaceTime family. It allows me to maintain greater connections.”
Helping Older Adults Who Are Afraid of Technology
While CTN recognizes that learning to use the internet can be quite scary for many older adults, Patricia’s story is a testament to the importance of digital inclusion programs like those offered by Community Tech Network.
If you know someone who is feeling afraid of or overwhelmed by the digital world, take a look at our article, “Addressing Older Adults’ Fears of Using Technology.” In order to encourage folks to embrace technology, one must also acknowledge the concerns that they may have. This article outlines some of the most common ones.
Additionally, you can check out our online course, “Digital Equity and the Aging,” designed to equip caregivers and educators with the essential skills and knowledge to support older adults on their digital literacy journeys.
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