Elderly urged to make use of technology

The elderly in Dominica are being called upon to make use of technology.

President of the Dominica Council on Aging (DCOA), Zetma Toussaint made that call while delivering a message at the Council’s 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Fort Young Hotel on Monday.

“As we age it becomes more difficult to keep abreast of all these changes taking place around us, yet we must not be left behind but instead make use of technological advances to improve our lives,” Toussaint said. “Thus older persons, especially those in the age group 60 to 80, must position themselves to take advantage of technology to improve their communication and thus decrease loneliness.”

She indicated that another area using technology for the benefit of older persons is the use of alert systems in homes.

“The Dominica Council of Aging had approached LIME with a view to making available such a system in Dominica which would improve the safety of older persons and even save lives,” she explained. “Unfortunately we were not successful thus far but we have not given up, we are going to continue our efforts.”

She noted that efforts are being made to teach computer skills to older persons who are interested, thus assisting them to make use of social media, sending text messages and so on.

However, while the elderly have been encouraged to make use of technology, a strong warning was issued by economist ,McCathy Marie, who said that the elderly must be careful of how they use the internet.

“The internet is very useful, but please be careful with it,” he warned. “Don’t leave home and leave all your doors opened…it’s the same thing with the internet. You have millions of people over there so don’t let your guard down anymore than you would in the physical world.”

Marie, who was the featured speaker at the event, also advised the elderly to practice safe use of the internet because it can be dangerous if precautions are not taken.

“When you get on the internet don’t forget that you are still living on planet earth, you are not in the computer,” he stated. “Don’t say things about people on the internet that would amount to defamation. A defamation on the internet tends to get larger damages than if you write it in the newspaper.”

Toussaint also pointed out that the DCOA will be taking steps to address the hidden, but social problem of abuse and neglect of the elderly in Dominica.

According to her, the council calls on all members to become alert to the dangers of abuse and, “to support the council in its drive to eliminate abuse of the elderly.”

Certificates of Affiliation were presented to various groups which have assisted the DCOA while. Sylvia Joseph nee Casimir, from La Plaine who is 101 years old, was given special recognition.

This year’s 20th annual AGM is being celebrated under the theme: “Information Technology and Empowerment of Older Persons.”