Disconnect your phones to connect with your elderly
Priya.Menon@timesgroup.com
Chennai: 29.06.2018
The wired world has helped connect people across the globe. But those caught in the tangled web of technology have also been disconnected from the people who are physically close to them. This gap is felt more by the elderly, who often have to vie with smartphones and laptops to gain their loved ones’ attention. That’s why HelpAge India launched their country-wide campaign ‘Disconnect to Connect’ at the beginning of this month.
According to their report ‘Elder Abuse in India – 2018, Changing Cultural Ethos & Impact of Technology’ the most common form of abuse the elderly experienced was disrespect (56%), verbal abuse (49%) and neglect (33%).
“Many elderly people tell us they feel disrespected as their children, who are young working adults, and grandchildren are on their phones and computers at home,” says Sonali Sharma, director (communications), HelpAge India. “So we wanted to create awareness among young working adults that, though it may not be intentional, it is hurtful to older people when you do not pay attention when they are talking to you.”
For the survey, aimed at understanding the extent and reasons behind abuse of elderly, 5,014 respondents across 23 cities participated. Almost 65% stated that attention to phones/computers was disrespectful and 73% elders felt their adult children are too busy on the phone. More than 60% agreed quality time spent with their adult children had decreased with increase in usage of phones/computers and 78% agreed that social media had eaten into the time they spend together.
“Our campaign urges people to disconnect from gadgets to connect with older people sitting in front of them,” says Sharma. “We also conduct digital literacy workshops with older people for them learn to use smartphones, tablets.”
In Tamil Nadu too, the campaign aims to sensitise elders and youngsters. “As part of our ‘Students Action for Value Education’ programme, we visit schools and talk to them about the need for companionship to the elderly. They learn more values from their elders than from books and it will also keep the seniors healthier and happier,” says V Sivakumar, state head (TN), HelpAge India.
Priya.Menon@timesgroup.com
Chennai: 29.06.2018
The wired world has helped connect people across the globe. But those caught in the tangled web of technology have also been disconnected from the people who are physically close to them. This gap is felt more by the elderly, who often have to vie with smartphones and laptops to gain their loved ones’ attention. That’s why HelpAge India launched their country-wide campaign ‘Disconnect to Connect’ at the beginning of this month.
According to their report ‘Elder Abuse in India – 2018, Changing Cultural Ethos & Impact of Technology’ the most common form of abuse the elderly experienced was disrespect (56%), verbal abuse (49%) and neglect (33%).
“Many elderly people tell us they feel disrespected as their children, who are young working adults, and grandchildren are on their phones and computers at home,” says Sonali Sharma, director (communications), HelpAge India. “So we wanted to create awareness among young working adults that, though it may not be intentional, it is hurtful to older people when you do not pay attention when they are talking to you.”
For the survey, aimed at understanding the extent and reasons behind abuse of elderly, 5,014 respondents across 23 cities participated. Almost 65% stated that attention to phones/computers was disrespectful and 73% elders felt their adult children are too busy on the phone. More than 60% agreed quality time spent with their adult children had decreased with increase in usage of phones/computers and 78% agreed that social media had eaten into the time they spend together.
“Our campaign urges people to disconnect from gadgets to connect with older people sitting in front of them,” says Sharma. “We also conduct digital literacy workshops with older people for them learn to use smartphones, tablets.”
In Tamil Nadu too, the campaign aims to sensitise elders and youngsters. “As part of our ‘Students Action for Value Education’ programme, we visit schools and talk to them about the need for companionship to the elderly. They learn more values from their elders than from books and it will also keep the seniors healthier and happier,” says V Sivakumar, state head (TN), HelpAge India.
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