By Claudia Chandra
Lockdowns, physical distancing and other restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly limited in-person social interactions. All community members, young and old, are facing similar challenges such as stress, anxiety, loneliness and isolation.
More than ever, community members have been turning to the Internet and online video-communication platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet and FaceTime to connect with friends and family. While Canadians are adopting the technology faster than ever, an AGE-WELL poll conducted by Environics Research in 2020 found that only about 23 per cent of Canadians over the age of 65 are using video-calling features on their smartphones.
There are a variety of reasons for this. Some are physical, such as lacking a suitable device — computer, tablet or smartphone — or missing essential components for these like a webcam or speakers. Another is not having access to a suitable Internet connection.
Equally important is the lack of knowledge or experience on using this technology. While everyone may know how to use a telephone to call a friend or book an appointment, it is a big step from that to connecting via a video-communication platform..
Several seniors were interviewed and asked about their experience in learning to use things like Facetime or Zoom to keep in touch with family and friends since the pandemic struck. Not surprisingly, it was often grandchildren who were able to teach grandparents how to use the technology, perhaps because it can take a strong bond of love to overcome and outlast the frustrations that often arise when computer screens don’t match or wrong buttons are pushed.
One of the persons interviewed had to replace her old computer during the lockdown. Her new computer tended to ask for old passwords long forgotten; it didn’t like the old USB drive where she stored most of her data; had its own preferred means of receiving emails; and, needless to say, did not come with the software needed to run her scanner.
With help over the telephone from knowledgeable neighbours, she has managed to overcome some of the problems and learned to live with the ones that persist, at least until she can have help come to her home.
Connected Canadians (CC), which was started in 2018 by two Ottawa women, Emily Jones Joanisse and Tas Damen, helps seniors learn to use the new technology. CC’s mandate is to provide technology training and support to seniors. For the first two years it offered in-person, one-on-one or small-group training sessions to help seniors learn to do things as simple as sending an email, or attaching photos, to using video-communication platforms.
With the onset of COVID, it was no longer safe to offer in-person training, but, at the same time, knowing how to use the technology became more vital in order to reduce isolation and loneliness. So, CC started offering free remote support over the phone or online.
With help from CC, volunteers at Centre Bruyère learned how to continue their regular volunteer meetings and maintain regular connections with their elderly patients they used to visit in person. CC has also been working closely with the Lowertown Community Resource Centre (LCRC) to help seniors in our community learn how to connect with friends and family and to access the virtual programs offered by the LCRC.
To help those who do not have the necessary equipment, the LCRC is planning a second-hand devices drive, collecting second-hand smartphones, laptops and desktop computers. Anyone wishing to donate should contact the LCRC to arrange drop-off or pick-up. While the social-distancing constraints of COVID will slowly disappear, the habit of connecting with faraway friends and family via Zoom or other such programs is likely with us for good.