#te(a)ch me – bringing the digital world to elders

A lot of our elderly in the nursing homes are feeling cut-off from the world and left-off by their families, relatives and friends, oftentimes leading to mental and emotional deterioration. The use of technology and social media should help the elderly get connected to the world and to their families, relatives and friends.
The cost of gadgets (ipad, computers, etc.) and lack of access to training are also barriers. The #te(a)chme project will recruit, train and deploy people to teach older people how to use gadgets, connect to internet and engage in social media.

The direct beneficiaries are the elderly in helping them reduce their feeling of loneliness and isolation, therefore, improving their overall health and well-being. But also, the trainers most especially the young ones will gain skills, education and deeper understanding and appreciation on providing service to elders. It will be a good training ground for people, especially the jobless for possible future career in age care and community service. In a bigger picture, the local community benefits in terms of greater social interaction. As well, it will foster awareness and build good relationships between the young and the late generations.