Older Aussies, COVID-19, and Digital Technology

Prior to the advent of COVID-19 many older Australians saw mobile phones as a phone: a device you used to talk to someone. Since COVID-19, though, the need for ‘smartphones’ has increased.

A smartphone is a whole other breed. It performs many of the functions of a computer, typically having a touchscreen interface, internet access, and an operating system capable of running downloaded applications (or apps).

Apps are a type of software that can be installed and run on smartphones or other electronic devices. An app most frequently refers to a mobile application or piece of software installed and used on a computer. There are literally millions of apps available to smartphone users, including:

Facebook, a place to share your thoughts with friends and various interest groups, such as gardening clubs, historical societies, etc. Spotify, a music depository enabling users to compile ‘albums’ of their favourite artists, and listen to music on their phones.

Healthengine, an app enabling users to see their doctor’s availability and book medical appointments.

Service NSW, an app containing the NSW COVID-19 QR code to allow quick check in to all shops, pubs, clubs, banks, cafes, etc.

The Hilltops Phoenix, a newspaper app allowing people to catch up on the latest news in the Hilltops region.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed as if you are being left behind in this modern world, but thankfully the majority of people are understanding about this and provide workarounds. For example, electronic copies of your COVID-19 vaccination certificate are available on the Medicare app, your doctor can also print the certificate off for you and you can gain access to non-essential businesses.

If you would like to learn more about smartphones and computers, please consider joining the Be Connected Network. Be Connected is a free Federal Government initiative for older Australians.

• Topics:

• Covid-19
• Science & Technology
• Seniors