In contemporary society, mobile phones and the Internet have become essential tools in everyday life. Although many older people rarely use these technologies, they can bring clear benefits in terms of safety and daily convenience, and their adoption can be encouraged through targeted support and better design.
To begin with, digital devices can improve both personal safety and access to essential services for older adults. One key benefit is that they allow immediate contact in emergencies. For example, in South Korea, smartphones have been widely used by elderly residents living alone, especially during the COVID-19 period when movement was restricted. Some local governments distributed phones with emergency call functions. When an elderly person pressed the emergency button after a fall, nearby family members or local responders were notified within minutes, allowing timely assistance. In addition, mobile phones and the Internet reduce the need for physically demanding tasks. For instance, many hospitals in China introduced online appointment systems in recent years. Older patients who previously had to queue for hours were able to book consultations through simple mobile applications, which reduced waiting times and avoided unnecessary travel.
However, encouraging older people to use these technologies requires practical support rather than general promotion. One effective approach is to provide hands-on training in familiar environments. For example, in Singapore, community centres have organised digital literacy programmes specifically for seniors. These sessions were conducted in small groups, where participants learned how to send messages, use video calls, and make mobile payments step by step. After completing the programme, many elderly participants were able to communicate with family members more regularly and handle basic online tasks independently. Another important measure is to simplify device design. Complex interfaces often discourage first-time users. For instance, some smartphone manufacturers have introduced “easy mode” settings with larger icons and simplified menus. This reduced confusion for older users and made it easier for them to navigate basic functions without assistance.
In conclusion, mobile phones and the Internet can improve safety and make everyday tasks more manageable for older people. Governments and technology providers should therefore focus on practical training and simplified design, as these measures allow older users to adopt digital tools without difficulty and use them in their daily lives.