7 Essential Digital Skills for Senior Citizens

Imagine your grandparents being able to order groceries, check their bank account, or even schedule a doctor’s appointment all from their smartphones. These are just some of the digital skills senior citizens could benefit from. But a study by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) shows that many older adults are still uncomfortable with technology. 

That's where you come in. You can help seniors navigate the online world to help them stay connected and independent. Keep reading to discover the essential digital skills seniors need, starting with the basics.

Many online services, like online banking and shopping, need an email address. It's a free and fast way to connect with family and friends. Plus, senior citizens can get newsletters and updates from their favorite stores and restaurants.

Guide seniors in creating a Google account, so they can access Gmail, YouTube, and other Google services. You can also show them how to write an email and reply to messages. 

Remember, it’s important to help them protect their personal information and recognize spam and phishing attempts. Teach them how to create strong passwords and never share OTPs, usernames, or passwords.

Messaging apps like Viber and Messenger keep seniors in touch with loved ones. Show them how to call, message, and leave voice messages—even personalize interactions with stickers and emojis! 

Don’t forget to teach them online safety tips, like how to avoid clicking on suspicious links.

Social media is a great tool for keeping senior citizens engaged with the world around them. It lets them connect with their family and their community, as well as get information about health, hobbies, and more! 

Introduce them to Facebook, guiding them through account setup in four steps. Then, teach them to post updates, share photos and videos, add friends, and leave comments. 

Don’t forget to help them learn to verify information and share content from reputable sources. You can also show them how to adjust privacy settings for account security.

Online banking makes managing finances a breeze for senior citizens. This includes fund transfers, bill payments, and balance monitoring. No more struggling to remember due dates—help them schedule automatic bill payments for utilities, phone bills, and more. You can also set up alerts to notify them when their balance dips below a certain amount. Some apps even allow remote check deposits with photo uploads!

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has an app that your loved ones can download and navigate with this guide.

Online shopping allows seniors to skip the crowd and buy what they need from the comfort of their homes. Teach them how to download and create an account on Shopee, which has a user-friendly interface for browsing and shopping. It also offers rewards for future purchases.

When shopping online, show your loved ones how to check seller reviews and look for the Shopee Mall icon for authenticity. Also, guide them on double-checking products with the brand's official website. This helps prevent them from falling victim to fake sellers.

Remote consultations can be a game-changer for senior citizens, giving them easier access to check-ups and follow-up appointments. Telemedicine also costs less than in-person visits and helps them save on travel expenses.

Help your loved ones download KonsultaMD to book consultations with various specialists. Teach them to register on the app with this guide. For their initial sessions, ensure they're logged in 15 minutes before the appointment to avoid technical delays. Write down relevant medical information and remind them to be open and detailed during the online consultation for a more accurate diagnosis.

Digital wallets offer older adults a convenient, cashless way to manage finances, pay bills, send money, and shop. It also lessens the risk of losing cash and credit cards.

GCash allows seniors to pay bills, send money, buy load, and access insurance products. Teach them how to sign up, log in, and use the app's QR for transactions at supermarkets, restaurants, and retail stores. Help them connect it to the GlobeOne app to manage their mobile accounts, track their data usage, and pay for their postpaid plans or purchase prepaid promos.

Understanding the importance of digital literacy among senior citizens, Globe launched its #SeniorDigizen campaign last January 25, 2024. Over 200 senior citizens attended to learn the basics of using smartphones, setting up an email account, and using GCash, GlobeOne, and KonsultaMD. 

Help older adults use different apps seamlessly with a reliable internet connection. Subscribe to a Globe Postpaid plan or Prepaid promos to allow senior citizens to access telemedicine, manage finances, shop, and communicate online uninterrupted on their mobile devices.