A human-centered, innovative national non-profit is providing free technology training and support for Canadian seniors.
Connected Canadians, a national non-profit organization, is empowering Canada’s aging population by providing free digital skills training and technology support. With a human-centered approach, the organization aims to combat isolation and loneliness among older adults by connecting them with friends and loved ones through technology while equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to access vital services. Connected Canadians was founded by women in technology, Emily Jones Joanisse, and Tasneem Damen, in 2018, who had been volunteering with seniors teaching them digital skills for many years prior to founding Connected Canadians.
A growing population
This past year, Canada experienced its highest annual population growth ever recorded, surpassing one million people within a 12-month period. Of all age demographics, seniors aged 65 and over are the fastest-growing segment in the country, projected to increase by 68 per cent over the next 15 years and to make up a quarter of the Canadian population within the next three decades.
As Canada’s senior population continues to grow, so does the digital literacy gap, impacting access to vital services and connectivity with friends and family. The COVID-19 pandemic was an important, though difficult, reality check that many seniors lack the necessary digital skills to navigate the online world effectively.
Governments, health care providers, and organizations have transitioned their services to online platforms, making digital skills indispensable for tasks such as accessing health care information, scheduling appointments, managing prescriptions, and engaging in telemedicine. Furthermore, online banking, e-commerce, and online government services have become the norm, requiring seniors to possess digital skills to navigate these essential services.
Equipping seniors with digital skills
Beyond access to basic services, being connected online also offers seniors access to learning resources to help maintain intellectual stimulation and cognitive function, stay mentally sharp, and cultivate a sense of purpose.
In an increasingly digital world, providing seniors with access to digital skills training is not only beneficial but essential. By empowering seniors to embrace technology, we can bridge the digital divide, enhance their overall quality of life, and enable active participation in society.
Connected Canadians serves thousands of seniors across over 100 communities in Canada, delivering customized one-on-one training and support sessions. The NGO also provides interactive workshops, virtual at-home fitness classes, art programs, social gaming, and assistance for health care patients in need of virtual care. The organization facilitates workplace volunteering programs as well, creating opportunities for seniors to contribute their skills and expertise to society.
In an increasingly digital world, providing seniors with access to digital skills training is not only beneficial but essential. By empowering seniors to embrace technology, we can bridge the digital divide, enhance their overall quality of life, and enable active participation in society. It’s crucial for governments, community organizations, and technology companies to collaborate and invest in comprehensive programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by seniors in acquiring digital skills. Through such collaborative efforts, we can build an inclusive and digitally empowered society that benefits people of all ages.
For more information about Connected Canadians, including services and how your community can collaborate, visit connectedcanadians.ca.
Sources:
https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/subjects-start/older_adults_and_population_aging
https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/98-200-X/2021004/98-200-x2021004-eng.cfm
https://www.cihi.ca/en/infographic-canadas-seniors-population-outlook-uncharted-territory#:~:text=Over%20the%20last%2040%20years,expected%20to%20number%2010.4%20million.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-working-age-poupulation-census-1.6432398#:~:text=%22Over%20the%20next%2030%20years,to%20almost%2012%20million%20people.
