Operating in the cyber age
AS WE move towards a more globalised world, technology continues to advance and influence the way we live and conduct business. Think about it. In this day and age, we have many options when it comes to things such as paying our bills, attending school, and shopping for almost anything and everything.
Technology aims to provide easier and faster solutions to everyday activities that usually require human interaction. From now on, we are able to pay our bills online at any hour that is convenient for us, gain access to a store’s complete inventory from devices as small as a smartphone, and be part of a classroom from the comfort of our homes.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is celebrated annually in an attempt to raise awareness of the need for technology in our society and bridge the gap between human limitations and digital possibilities.
Telecommunications and information communication technologies (ICTs) have had a positive impact on our lives. However, it is important that while technology becomes more advanced, our older generation is kept in the loop.
With the help of technology, people are living longer, and as such, they should be able to act independently for as long as possible. Telecommunications and ICTs can play an important role in achieving this as with adequate computer literacy, we are able to fight age-based discrimination within the workplace and enable greater financial inclusion for the elderly.
Helping our older generation keep abreast of technology cannot only improve their career and financial life, but also their social lives. Social media applications can allow them to communicate with friends and family on a regular basis. This is especially important now as we are still in the midst of a pandemic, so avenues such as this become useful in order to combat loneliness.
The physical and mental fitness of the elderly can also be improved with the help of technology. Now, we have many devices, such as watches, that can track daily steps, sleeping patterns, and the heart rate of the individual wearing them. These devices can also reach out to emergency contacts in the event of an accident.
This helps people to take their fitness into their own hands as they strive for a healthier lifestyle. It also helps our ageing population enjoy the freedom of independence while not having to worry about someone being alerted in case of an emergency.
Telecommunications and ICT help us to lead a more fulfilling life for longer, and because of this, we are better able to manage our time and focus on the things that are important to us.