Empoderamiento de personas mayores en La Laguna mediante talleres de alfabetización y seguridad digital
The Economic and Social Forum (FES) of La Laguna and the Dynamization Service for seniors and healthy aging of the Social Welfare Area, managed by Muvisa, organize the second workshop of the digital literacy pilot program for people over 60 years old in the municipality, an innovative initiative that has the collaboration of the Cajasiete Pedro Modesto Campos Foundation. Following the excellent reception of the first action in San Diego, the project moves to the northeastern region of the municipality with tailored training that will provide participants with all the skills and resources to safely use technology and take advantage of the new communication and learning opportunities provided by digital tools.
The Councilor for Social Welfare of the City of La Laguna, María Cruz, recalls that they have launched one of the most comprehensive municipal programs for seniors on the island, under the motto, Much to live for, aiming to promote healthy aging and improve the quality of life of a population group that represents almost 25% of the total residents in the municipality. Through continuous work with groups, they have seen the importance of introducing digital literacy and promoting learning that, in turn, gives us an opportunity to empower, connect, and enrich the lives of our seniors.
This action is part of an extensive calendar of activities, with almost a hundred training and leisure proposals each week, where different actions are being added to reduce digital divide, unwanted loneliness, and break down intergenerational barriers, highlighting the collaboration of various organizations and institutions to achieve these important objectives and meet the demands of the population over 60 years old.
The technical director of the Economic and Social Forum, Jordi Bercedo, explains that «this activity is a new example of how cooperation between sectors allows for a positive impact on the quality of life of the community, an investment in inclusion that is part of the Forum’s commitment to promoting equity and strengthening the social fabric of La Laguna.»
Bercedo adds that with these workshops, «we want to help seniors in La Laguna fully participate in today’s digital society, with communication tools that help reduce social isolation and keep the mind active. In addition to offering resources and skills that increase their autonomy and ability to perform daily tasks independently, as well as to detect and protect themselves from cyber fraud and threats.»
Adapting to a rapidly evolving society
«Our experience indicates that the impact of digital literacy on the lives of seniors is profound, not only for practical uses, such as managing procedures or expanding social relationships, but also because it gives them confidence and makes them feel an active part of a constantly evolving society,» explains Laura García Pérez, coordinator of the Muvisa seniors’ dynamization service.
In this sense, she points out that «seniors demand new leisure options and, above all, learning opportunities. Their concern about rapid technological evolution and online security risks has led us to develop this pilot project, which not only helps prepare them for a reality that is here to stay but also to assess which training and support tools are most appropriate, as well as to evaluate the viability of a permanent program.»
This second and final session of the pilot project will take place this Friday (May 9), starting at 4:30 p.m., at the headquarters of the Two Brothers Seniors Association in Punta del Hidalgo. Pre-registration is not required, and it is completely free for users.
The workshop will include modules on the use of mobile applications, social media management, and online privacy protection, as well as personalized assistance to address specific doubts and support participants. It will be conducted by experts in digital education with extensive experience in training seniors, who will guide them throughout the learning process.
The initiative is part of a broader collaboration program between the Economic and Social Forum and the senior service in La Laguna, with whom they will organize a dozen innovative proposals until July, including not only these workshops on technological tools but also economic and open administration training, participation in sports activities, an exchange day with young people, or a meeting focused on innovation in the agricultural sector,» emphasizes Laura García.
Commitment to cooperation across all sectors
Other entities have joined this strategy, such as the aforementioned Cajasiete Pedro Modesto Campos Foundation, the CB Canarias Foundation, or the Bank of Spain, and the collaboration has been so fruitful that the senior service and the FES are already working to launch a new joint calendar of initiatives that will return in the fall and continue to expand the municipal offer for the promotion of healthy aging, one of the most significant in the local context of all of the Canary Islands.
