Seniors and Digital Media

 

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," he explained. " Also, digital services can easily be set up to help with important tasks, like turning off lights or reminding us of things we need to do," he added. 

Reflecting on some of the challenges he has experienced, my dad mentioned, "I noticed problems with network systems that affected the delivery of banking alerts. Reliable infrastructure is essential for good digital services." He also pointed out the importance of protecting personal information, like PINs, to keep everything safe. "Security is a big challenge," he said. "We need to make sure our personal information is protected, as this is something I have fears about." 

He suggested some solutions which could make the use of digital media more efficient among the seniors and I have grouped them into the following categories; 

• Simplify User Interfaces: Make digital services easier to understand and use by reducing the number of steps required. 

• Provide Support: Offer help with installation and troubleshooting to ensure older adults can use digital services effectively. 

• Enhance Security: Implement strong security measures to protect personal information, like PINs. 

• Reliable Infrastructure: Ensure network systems are reliable to prevent issues like those he experienced in Nigeria. 

We talked about how digital divide affects older people, thereby limiting their access to technology. He says that the gap can lead to social isolation, affecting their mental health and quality of life they live. He added that studies have found that older adults with lower education and income levels are more likely to experience this divide don’t have the digital skills necessary to fully take advantage of digital media.  

 

He talks about how much of a blessing the media can be, especially in old age, as he now uses it to connect with his children and grandchildren daily and he can be fully involved in our daily lives.  My favorite part of the conversation was when he shared a heartwarming story (I already have the full story, but it was great hearing it again). He had this best friend back in college days, who was from Bangladesh, but they lost contact over the years. Recently, my sister, using social media, got in touch with his friend's daughter, and through her, my dad and his best friend were able to reconnect again. "We've become great friends again, just like we were in school," he said with a smile. Digital media has allowed them to stay in touch and support each other, especially during difficult times. "I was able to be there for my friend when she went through a serious illness, all thanks to the power of media," he shared.