Social Impacts

Diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s one of my grandfather’s greatest struggles is using his smartphone. Whenever he encounters a problem with his device, he asks for my help, and I assist him. Yet, this is not a difficulty unique to him. Researching the challenges elderly individuals face in our increasingly digital world, I realized that many older adults, like my grandfather, struggle to navigate technology. When I asked my grandfather about this, he confirmed that most of his friends also find it difficult to use digital devices

As someone who loves technology, I wanted to find a way to help elderly individuals who face these challenges. I decided to approach the welfare center where my grandfather spends time and asked if I could organize an event to teach older adults how to use smartphones more effectively. The staff at the center were eager to help, as they too recognized this issue and saw it as an opportunity to educate the elderly.

To prepare for the event, I created slideshows based on my research into common technological problems older people face. I realized that they often struggle with complex instructions due to unfamiliarity with technology, so I designed the presentation to be simple and easy to follow. I also planned a Q&A session so they could ask questions about their specific concerns, ensuring the event would address issues I might not have considered.

At the event, I presented key concepts such as recognizing common icons and understanding the basic layout of smartphone applications. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of participants, many of whom followed along with their own devices. Seeing their engagement made me feel like the presentation was truly helpful.

During the Q&A session, one of the most memorable questions was about phone scams, an issue that often targets elderly individuals. I shared tips on how to recognize and prevent scams, especially given how vulnerable they can be when using technology. Hearing personal stories from the participants about family members affected by scams reinforced the importance of educating them on these topics.

Additionally, to celebrate Parents' Day in Korea, I donated food and flowers to the welfare center, using the money I had raised during a recent fundraising event. The elderly were very appreciative, and their gratitude made me feel even more fulfilled. Knowing that I can use my knowledge of technology to help them is incredibly rewarding, and I plan to continue visiting the center to offer assistance with any technology-related issues they may have.