Embracing Digital Inclusion
Before the pandemic, seniors could live quite comfortably without changing the way they manage their finances, travel or purchase entertainment such a movies, theatre or sport.
It was still possible to pay for goods and services with cash or cheques. Queueing to purchase paper tickets to attend the cinema or football game or to book overseas travel through a phone call may have taken more time but meant that seniors did not have to confront the challenges of using computers to live a good life.
It was a dramatically different story once the pandemic caused lockdowns and removal of all forms of physical contact, except for medication or supermarket shopping. Providers of goods and services had to switch to ‘contactless’ payments and services. The situation was clearly worse for seniors living in metro Melbourne, but other Victorian seniors were affected too.
While many seniors living outside Melbourne have not been burdened by all the restrictions of Melbourne residents, there has been a large switch to computer-based purchasing and ‘contact-tracing’ processes.
To illustrate how computer-based processes are now essential parts of our life, here is the description of my recent trip to Canberra to view the new collection at the National Gallery
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Travel – all online
The Gallery– all online
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Meals and Accommodation
Visit family in NSW
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From my experiences of a short trip interstate, it is clear that the ability to use a computer and the use of a Smart Phone are essential for movements within Victoria or other States.
This situation does not just apply to interstate travel. Our day-to-day activities are affected as well. All the following require access by Smart Phone or computers.
- QR codes
- Payment by card (cash rarely welcome, except in supermarkets)
- Public transport
- Entertainment
- Shopping (often more convenient online)
It is clear that after the pandemic we will not return to the days of cash, phone bookings or many in-person actions.
To help LAC members gain more confidence using new technology to continue their activities, we suggest some of the following options for Basic Computer Skills training below.
| Face-to-face ‘introduction to computers’ training is conducted in many areas across Victoria for people that have little or no experience with computers. |
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| At Home Personalised in-home technology services. Learn from your computer or tablet. |
Libraries or community centres Many of these can be found at: www.learnlocal.org.au/find-a-learn-local/ |
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By Lynda Bourne
