The Digital Spin

 Seniors an social media is in my opinion great tool but there is great risk beneath.                                                            Valokuvaaja: ANTONI SHKRABA production Pexelsistä: https://www.pexels.com/fi-fi/kuva/mies-teknologia-puhelin-olohuone-8791262/   Seniors in my opinion need more counselling and guidance with social media than children. Children have been growing in to it, elderly people does not. Let's see those romance cons and other conning, usually the conned one is a bit older citizen than a young one. For example my grandparents; one of them did use whatsapp for a long while, now she is in the condition that she can't. BUt it did bring family closer. She didn't use email. Then other set of grandparents, they use laptop daily, emails and succesfully do things with laptop...

  In the modern digital age, technology plays a crucial role in daily life. However, many seniors aged over 70 encounter difficulties in navigating it. Understanding their interactions with digital media and the services available is vital for fostering an inclusive digital society. Digital Engagement Among Seniors Over 70 Recent studies highlight an increase in digital media usage among older adults. In Finland, individuals over 64 years old spend an average of three hours a day using digital services, especially for banking, healthcare, and public administration. However, 76% of Finnish seniors require assistance, indicating a gap between their usage of these services and their digital skills.  https://www.tietoevry.com/en/newsroom/all-news-and-releases/other-news/2024/05/tietoevry-study-64-of-nordic-seniors-need-help-using-digital-services In the United States, internet usage among seniors increased from 14% in 2000 to 75% in 2021, with 45% using social media. However, man...

 Social media connecting families together The use of social media got more and more common after the Corona pandemic among the elderly. As physical distancing measures were implemented, many elderly individuals found themselves isolated from their usual social circles. This isolation prompted a remarkable digital leap, as they turned to social media platforms to stay connected with family, friends, and the broader community. Many elderly people embraced digital tools to bridge the gap created by physical separation. These used tools were for example Zoom, Teams, Facebook as well as WhatsApp. A lot of families used video calls for their benefit as well as other social media platforms to share daily thoughts and activities. Finnish Pensioners' Federations guide on social media pointed out both the good and the difficult parts of using these digital tools for older people. At first, some seniors had trouble with the technical side of things. They found it hard to understand how to us...

  For this blog, I had such a long and interesting interview with my father, and I tell you, it was an absolute delight. I like to think of my father as a digital media pioneer in the northern part of Nigeria  where I was born. For the context of this writing, my father had graduated from engineering and computer science school in 1979 and returned to a small city in Nigeria to start the very first computer school, and as well as the first color photo lab in that city. He opened the doors of digital media through computer literacy and photography to the people in Northern Nigeria .   Today, my father, who is now 75, and retired, thinks that digital media and services have come a long way. He said, "Digital services have gotten much better over the years, making life easier and more convenient for older people." He also emphasized how important it is to make these services simple and easy to use. "Reducing the number of steps needed to do things can really help," h...

  The adoption of digital media among seniors has been increasing. For instance, in Finland, the use of digital media among people over 70 has been steadily increasing. In 2020, about 51% of Finns aged 75 to 89 used the internet. Among this age group, 19% engaged with social network services, and 30% used the internet several times a day. A growing trend of digital engagement among the elderly, although there is still room for improvement in bridging the digital divide. Many older people struggle with digital literacy or do not have access to the technology, which can leave them feeling isolated. When they cannot use the internet or social media, it can create a sense of being left out of the larger community. It is something I have read about in studies, where seniors experience social exclusion if they are cut off from digital tools. On the other side, those who are digitally connected tend to have better health and well-being. When seniors are able to access health information a...

  In today’s digital landscape, governments are recognizing the value of online platforms to foster connections with citizens, including immigrants. Both Sri Lanka and Finland are effectively utilizing digital media to provide important information and assistance to adults regarding immigrant services. While each country has its own unique approach, their strategies offer valuable insights into accessibility, interactivity, and technological advancement. This blog will explore how each nation harnesses digital media to enhance support for immigrants. Government Websites & Online Portals Finland Finland has a well-developed digital infrastructure that provides immigrants with access to essential services through various official websites: Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) : Offers detailed information on residence permits, asylum applications, and citizenship in multiple languages via www.migri.fi . TE Services (Employment & Economic Development Office) : Provides job-seek...

  Valokuvaaja: MART PRODUCTION Pexelsistä: https://www.pexels.com/fi-fi/kuva/ihmiset-tumma-riippuvuus-poyta-7230243 / "Substance use disorder is a cluster of physiological, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms associated with the continued use of substances despite substance-related problems, distress, and/or impairment, such as impaired control and risky use." (APA Dictionary of Psychology, referred from a website post:  Substance use, abuse, and addiction ) Why did I chose th is topic of all the possible ones?  It is quite a tabu and people don't talk about it. For addicts it might be very hard to let other people know while in recovery, because of the stigma. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible of running services for substance abusers. Muncipalities are responsible for organising services (arranged according to needs).  Services: general social and health care specialist services for substance abusers a specific level of level of medical trea...

  Theme 4: Rehabilitative work activities: More than just a job When people hear “rehabilitative work activities,” they often think it’s something complicated or official. But really, it’s just about giving people a real chance to rebuild their confidence, find direction, and get back into working life in a way that works for them. These programs can be a terrific way to start moving toward a better future, regardless of whether someone has been unemployed for some time, is coping with health problems, or is going through other difficulties. What are rehabilitative work activities? Rehabilitative work activities play a key role in helping people get back on their feet, build good habits, and regain their ability to work. Instead of rushing them into a job right away, these programs create a supportive and low-pressure space where they can prepare at their own pace (Berkman et al., 2020). This means that taking part in training sessions, doing volunteer work, or handling simple ta...

Social work with people with disabilities is a vast field that requires deep understanding of how different and unique the challenges these individuals face with various impairments. Social workers plays an important role in helping individuals navigate these challenges, providing support, resources, and advocacy. The goal is to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives, despite their disabilities. My Uncle IK's Story My uncle IK has lived with visual impairment for most of his life. With time, it got worse until he was no longer able to continue his regular studies in university. This led to him being incredibly sad, and isolated as he could no longer study, drive, read, and do the things he loved to do. As days turned into weeks, then months, and then years, he felt increasingly disconnected and frustrated. However, his life took a positive turn when he discovered the Center for the Visually Impaired (CVI) , in America. This center provided him with all the help necessary to r...