Sharp Minds. Soft Skills: Lessons for Introducing Technology to Later Living Communities

Talia Fogelman, Communication and Engagement Representative, Wifinity

I’m a member of the team supporting residents at Anchor later living communities, as we roll out the new Wifinity WiFi service. Some of the most interesting residents I meet are those who had rich working lives in administrative roles. They worked as accountants, in law offices, corporate sales jobs but were obfuscated by the introduction of new technology towards the ends of their careers.

They are often in possession of smart TVs, iPads and smart phones. They’re certainly not sitting at home, watching the world go by. They tune in. However, despite realm of 21^st century technology, there are certain soft skills that they have avoided learning. For some, this is an intentional choice. I often hear a variation of “I was not interested. I had done things in a certain way, and it has gotten me this far!”

You may think that their age is a factor. Your view might be that they are retired and 70+. However, I meet people in their 50s and early 60s who also have no interest in new technology. They’re uncomfortable engaging with it and afraid to learn a new, and at times, overwhelming set of skills, despite the opportunities it brings.

While our purpose in meeting these residents is to help them set their devices up online, some have questions about the functionality of the technology in their homes. Centurions use Alexas for music and alarms, 90-year-olds want to have their email on their iPad or reset a password, 80-year-olds want to be on YouTube to watch videos, and so on.

The Potential to Learn at Any Age

Age should not dictate one’s relationship to technology. When residents tell me that they are tech savvy, I offer the example of my own grandparents. At 80 and 79 they asked me to connect their electric car to their energy bill tariff having tried unsuccessfully to do it themselves. Truly they operate on a different technical plane to me!

When I started to tell friends that I got this job and would be working for a WiFi company, two people laughed hard. I am notoriously technically challenged. However, I believe that this is my superpower. I can empathise with that fear of new technology. I don’t have a natural aptitude but I’m someone who tries to push through it. Getting out of my comfort zone and learning new skill sets is something I enjoy.

It’s fantastic watching people gain confidence. Our team is creating a space where residents feel comfortable learning, admitting that something is hard and committing to the challenge. My favourite moment is when we have crossed from discomfort into success. A generational, technological and emotional bridge has been crossed and on the other side is so much joy.

This lovely lady is 92 years old and has swapped a career in accounting for handmade card making and Virgin River on the TV.

This lovely lady is 87 years old and has an absolute obsession with Lost! When we met her she was on season 6 episode 17.

Contact stephanie.smith@wifinity.co.uk for more information about Wifinity later living connectivity solutions.