As technology becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, senior citizens were given an opportunity to build their digital confidence during a free “Tech for the Elderly” workshop hosted by the Durban University of Technology’s Department of Information Technology at the Firwood Road Library on Tuesday, 8 September.
The initiative was co-ordinated and facilitated by Professor Ebrahim Asmal, with Mariam Khan also facilitating the programme. The workshop focused on helping older residents use smartphones and digital services more confidently, while addressing the wider issue of digital exclusion among senior citizens.
Professor Asmal said the programme was developed out of concern that older people can gradually lose a sense of independence as they age.
“The elderly are vulnerable members of our society, because as we get older, our independence seems to be taken away from us. We get depressed, we get lonely, and we realised: how can we help the elderly to be part of this technology-driven world and to regain their independence?” he said.
He explained that this thinking led to the creation of the Tech for the Elderly programme, which aims to show participants how technology can be used in practical and meaningful ways.
“Everyone has a cell phone in their pocket, but some of them don’t know how to use it in a way that can make their life a whole lot easier,” Asmal said.
He pointed to everyday tasks such as ordering medication, using WhatsApp correctly and making use of a phone’s location feature as examples of how technology can support greater independence.
“By introducing technology into their lives, we can try to close the digital gap that has been created so that they are part of this new technology-driven world as well,” he said.
The workshop covered WhatsApp and smartphone basics, email, Uber, online banking and shopping, as well as cyber safety and scam awareness. DUT student tutors were on hand to provide one-on-one support, giving attendees an opportunity to work directly on their own devices and ask questions in a relaxed environment.
Khan said the programme was organised specifically for senior citizens in Ward 34, which includes Greenwood Park, Effingham Heights, Avoca, Kenwell and Seacow Lake.
“We are particularly delighted that today is World Literacy Day, the 8th of September, and we get to organise this programme for our elderly citizens who we believe will benefit greatly from the skills that are going to be shared,” she said.
She said the workshop incorporated both new learning and a review of existing skills, allowing participants to better understand how their phones could be used for practical daily needs.
“There are going to be new learning and review of the old ones so that they can use their phones beneficially for their daily requirements, whether it’s using WhatsApp, the internet, calling for an Uber, phoning a helpline, doing the electricity billing, filling out a form for faults within eThekwini and many other related aspects of daily life,” Khan said.
She added that a lack of familiarity with smartphone functions can sometimes become an unnecessary obstacle for older people trying to access basic services.
“We are aware that the phones have a lot of features that require to be exploited to make good use of it in our daily living,” she said.
The workshop also placed emphasis on online safety, with participants receiving guidance on how to recognise potential scams and use digital platforms more cautiously.
Attendees Geraldine Prinsloo and Bipin Bhikha were among the senior citizens who took part in the session, which was designed to allow participants to learn at their own pace and receive individual assistance where needed.
Participants were encouraged to bring fully charged smartphones so that the lessons could be applied directly to the devices they use every day. Free SIM cards with data were also provided courtesy of Vodacom, while tea, coffee and refreshments were served during the session.
Khan said organisers hoped the workshop would not be a once-off initiative.
“We trust that this may be the first of many other workshops to come and we look forward to having a wonderful day today for our senior citizens,” she said.
The programme highlighted the growing importance of digital literacy for older residents, particularly as communication, transport, banking, municipal services and other essential functions continue to move online. By helping seniors become more confident with the technology already in their hands, the initiative sought to make digital access a means of restoring independence rather than creating another barrier.
