{"id":1204,"date":"2025-03-28T12:15:04","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T15:15:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/34.39.255.174\/?p=1204"},"modified":"2025-03-28T12:17:48","modified_gmt":"2025-03-28T15:17:48","slug":"personas-mayores-inclusion-digital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ayni.mascomunidad.org.ar\/en\/personas-mayores-inclusion-digital\/","title":{"rendered":"Older people, protagonists of their digital inclusion"},"content":{"rendered":"
Older people, protagonists of their digital inclusion<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Buenos Aires, where over 23% of the population is over 60, an initiative developed within the 2024 Local Innovators Program seeks to combat digital exclusion through a collaborative and scalable model. Digital Consultations for Older Adults, managed by volunteer peers, offer autonomy and participation in the digital world. This talented team participated in the GDC Americas Forum, held on March 19 and 20 in Buenos Aires, where they presented the initiative and how this model can be scaled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
More than 715,000 senior citizens live in Buenos Aires, and those in the 60% group face difficulties completing online procedures. Although initiatives exist, few manage to scale and adapt to the specific needs of this population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe transform prejudices into opportunities. In this case, the challenges are clear from the beginning, and we always keep older people at the center of the conversation,\u201d says Ver\u00f3nica Capurro, director of Digital Immigrants, psychologist, teacher and social entrepreneur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digital exclusion not only limits access to essential services but also reinforces dependency and social isolation. As Ang\u00e9lica Pomato, one of the project participants, describes it: \u201cThe computer doesn't bite, let's start there.\u201d She emphasizes the importance of peer collaboration, stressing that \u201cit's very important that we know how to do it ourselves, and that we can teach people our age, because it's not just about completing a procedure. For me, it's wonderful to have learned so much.\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For older adults, technology represents both a barrier and an opportunity. \u201cAt first, we struggled to overcome the barrier imposed by both the older adults themselves and their environment regarding their ability to be independent in using technology. Training them as digital facilitators was key to building trust and making content and opportunities to help their peers accessible,\u201d Capurro adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVer\u00f3nica Capurro and Florencia Platino<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The solution: older people taking the lead in their digital inclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The project proposes the creation of digital consultancies in GCBA Day Centers, where older adults trained as digital facilitators assist their peers. This model combines personalized training, practical tools such as a resource guide for digital procedures, and intersectoral partnerships to ensure its sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat unites us is the conviction to put people at the center,\u201d Capurro emphasizes. \u201cBefore, we worked in a network, but we didn\u2019t usually combine their strengths in the design. This time, we invited other stakeholders from the very beginning.\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Florencia Platino, liaison for the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, emphasizes: \u201cThe methodology of the Local Innovators Program allowed us to delve deeper into the problem of the digital divide from a systemic perspective, identify opportunities for improvement, and integrate approaches that we had not previously considered. Now we complement each other as a team and have managed to strengthen the initiative with infrastructure, resources, and experience.\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The design included a pilot program in two Day Centers, which allowed for the validation of hypotheses, the adjustment of solutions, and the inclusion of new stakeholders. \u201cSome are surprised by the impact of the proposal,\u201d Capurro adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Older people as protagonists of their digital inclusion<\/p>\n\n\n\nTraining day.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Collaborative work also allows for significant achievements.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alba Imbert, coordinator of Day Center Number 1, recounts a case that illustrates how technology can have a transformative impact: \u201cAn elderly man hadn't been able to locate one of his children for about five years. Through the day center, we searched for him on social media, through the Federal Police's Missing Persons Unit (COB), and using various tools we discovered based on our training. We finally found the person, and the two were reunited.\u201d It was like magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, Clara Robledo, from Hogar Rawson, shares her personal experience: \u201cBefore I was very 'me', through this program I have become more supportive of my colleagues.\u2018. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the first collaborative project between Digital Immigrants and the City of Buenos Aires (GCBA). Although there were initial challenges, the team emphasizes the importance of listening and collaboration. \u201cWe make time to listen to each other. Having a facilitator who helps us integrate perspectives and manage time was key,\u201d says Capurro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe collaborative work process proposed by the Local Innovators Program helped us move from the idea to the development of a tested initiative, with participatory design, replicable and scalable,\u201d Platino concludes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom left to right: Magdalena Saieg (Navarro Viola Foundation), Ver\u00f3nica Capurro (Digital Immigrants), and Gonzalo Straface (Government of the City of Buenos Aires). Photo: Danila Pagano Bianchini.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
At the GDC Americas Forum, Gonzalo Straface, General Director of the Silver Economy at the Undersecretariat for Older Persons of the City of Buenos Aires, emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges of digital inclusion for older adults collaboratively: \u201cThere are many challenges to overcome regarding the inclusion of older adults. They range from mobility to employment. If we don't tackle this together with the private sector and civil society, it's impossible. The government must create incentives for companies to hire older adults.\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The team is seeking funding and strategic partners to scale this digital inclusion model. Digital Consultancies for Older Adults offer a unique opportunity to transform lives, empower communities, and build an inclusive ecosystem in an increasingly digital world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What makes this initiative innovative?<\/strong> Older people as protagonists of their digital inclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Digital Consulting model for Older Adults is innovative for several reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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It puts older people at the center: They themselves volunteer to receive training and become digital facilitators to support their peers. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
It integrates multiple actors from the design stage: Unlike other initiatives, it involves the public and private sectors and social organizations from the earliest stages. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Proven methodology: The implementation of the pilot allowed us to adjust solutions, prioritize key products such as the resource manager, and validate the expected impact. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Replicable model: The proposal can be easily adapted to other community spaces, promoting active aging and digital inclusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This initiative not only solves an immediate problem, but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive and connected society, where technology is a tool for integration for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Platino maintains: \u201cThe Change Network meeting, with different sectors involved, is fundamental to validating hypotheses and bringing together other actors who share the same challenges. This collaboration allows co-created solutions to be more robust and sustainable.\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Expected impact and sustainability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With 12 planned consultancies in Day Centers, the project is expected to directly benefit 1,400 seniors and indirectly reach another 6,000. This scalable and replicable model could be expanded to other community spaces, such as senior centers, clubs, and universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want the impact of our actions to be visible,\u201d says Capurro. The team is working on designing joint training programs and digital resources to support the digital facilitators, ensuring the project is sustainable and accessible to more communities. Those interested in joining can find more information by visiting the Local Solutions Marketplace link. https:\/\/i-marketplace.org\/proyectos-int.php?proyecto=199<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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