Philippine senator seeks to get seniors to be digital-ready for WFH

She said as WFH has become a norm amid the pandemic, seniors need to learn and adapt to the digital landscape that has become the norm. 

The Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education can design programmes that can serve as an information exchange between senior citizens and tech-based youth volunteers. 

Poe said, “It could be a knowledge exchange. Our senior citizens can teach the young people traditional subjects and in turn, youth volunteers can aid the seniors to use and maximise technology. It’s a good synergy that will bridge generations and foster a tighter and kinder society.” 

Senior citizens can benefit from livelihood programmes that the government, along with the private sector, can supply. 

She cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority that showed an increase in the number of job seekers of those aged 65 and above. 

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“It’s a sad reality to see our elderlies looking for work despite the perils of COVID-19 when they should be staying at home and enjoying the fruits of their labour. Crucial intervention is needed to offer our senior citizens means of living that they can engage in without exposing themselves to the disease,” said Poe in a statement.