You train seniors in digital technologies. What do you think is their level of digital skills?
It’s very diverse. I have more advanced seniors in my group who use technology on a daily basis, even artificial intelligence. On the other hand, there are those to whom I have to explain everything in great detail and step by step.
How do you think seniors live in the online world today?
Many people are really afraid to move online. We want to help them overcome this fear and show them that the Internet can be very helpful. The whole world is becoming digital and they feel like they can’t keep up. That’s why we want to show them the way to a safe online world.
Seniors with different skill levels attend the training, photo source: digiQ
Do seniors also have experience with artificial intelligence?
Some fear it and have great respect for it. However, many see it as a real helper. Interestingly, they use it differently than we young people – for example, they let it write short stories. For seniors, artificial intelligence is mainly a source of entertainment.
You have been working as an animator at a children’s camp for many years and have experience working with children. How is teaching seniors different?
Children are very dynamic, they can’t stay with one activity for long and we always have to come up with something new for them. It’s different with seniors – we can easily devote an hour to one activity. But we will go over it in detail. I really like how they ask a lot and want to understand things.
Ema has been working in a children’s camp for many years. Working with children is completely different for her than educating seniors, photo: Ema’s archive
What does this job give you personally?
It’s something completely new for me and I didn’t expect it to absorb me so much. When I started, I immediately fell in love with it. This job teaches me patience and greatly develops my empathy.
Why do you think intergenerational education is so important?
Especially to remember that people from other generations are still people. Sometimes we tend to dehumanize them and think that we are the only ones doing things right. But when generations connect, we usually find that people from other generations are great too. I think we have a lot to learn from each other.
Ema develops empathy thanks to senior training, photo source: Ema archive
Would you recommend this experience to your peers?
Certainly yes. Since I have been educating seniors, I am more satisfied with myself and where I am going in life. I see a mission and a clear purpose in my work.