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SCMP Reporter

New skills can reaffirm people's value to society

For 79-year-old Sze Ming, a computer is a bridge to his family, all of whom live abroad. Lau Ming-yuet, 63, says learning to type Chinese characters has given her a sense of achievement.

Their cases were cited yesterday as examples of how computers, more usually regarded as the province of  younger generations, are enriching the lives of the elderly.

Mr Sze, who lives alone, says he never feels distant from his children and grandchildren overseas because he keeps in touch with them online.

Speaking at a conference on the relationship between information technology and the elderly, Mr Sze said his ability to use the internet bridged the physical distance.

'Sometimes I send photos and some Hong Kong newspaper articles to my sons and daughters via e-mail. It is very convenient to have contact with them online,' said Mr Sze, who spends about 90 minutes a day at his keyboard.

Now he is using his skills to help others as a voluntary worker at a centre for the elderly.

'I sometimes help other elderly people type the lyrics for Cantonese operas,' said Mr Sze, who picked up some computer skills while working as a clerk and taught himself the rest.

About 60 elderly people attended the conference at City University. Most of them learned how to use the computer and surf the internet on their own or in centres for the elderly after they retired.

Ms Lau, who attended a computer skills course, said she derived a great sense of achievement as she mastered the skills of typing Chinese characters and using software.

When she joined the course a few years ago, younger classmates had been surprised to see her there.

'But when I got full marks in my typing test, a young man came to me and said, 'how can you type so fast?' I was so happy about it.'

She said she almost became addicted to her computer after learning to use it.  'I feel smarter because I know how to use the computer,' said Ms Lau.

John Fung Yat-chu, director of the information technology resource centre of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, said the elderly should be encouraged to learn how to use the internet because it could reaffirm their value in society.

'If senior citizens know how to use computers, which many people think they are too old for, they will not feel left out,' he said.



Elderly turn to computers to stay in touch with the world