As the year enters its final month, I’d like to share some things I’ve learnt as a ‘Digital Champion’ volunteer at my local Age UK, Age UK Oxfordshire, this past year. Smartphones, Tablets and Computers, and their constant updates, can be overwhelming even to those of us that profess to know more than most about technology.
What I have found is that simple things matter.
Like helping show and remind people how to add and arrange contacts on their phone, their email, add attachments and photographs to support how they communicate with friends and family who may not live nearby. These technologies are not a ‘nice to have’ for many, it’s become essential for daily life; how many converse with doctors and hospitals, sending forms and electronic medical documentation for themselves or their partner they are looking after.
Showing how to register for online shopping and order groceries. It is not simply a ‘nice to have’ when you are alone, in pain, and immobile so you can’t leave the house. Showing how to move files into folders on a computer and add old photographs into word processing documents as people reminisce and write their own inspiring memoirs.
Many people I have met have taken to technologies much later in life, or gone back to computers after a prolonged absence, it is inspiring. Some whilst caring for others at the same time. Some people just need that little bit of extra help sometimes, like we all do, and not all have family. The ‘digital’ side is of course just one aspect for Age UK and for its incredible staff.
Many of us perhaps take the basic computer skills we have for granted. It’s worth thinking there is almost certainly someone out there nearby that would benefit and be grateful for just an hour of your time.
More here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/programmes/digital-skills/digital-champions/
