Hi! I also agree with this idea of familiarizing the senior citizens with smart devices make our society more resilient to deal with any kind of vulnerabilities either related to health issues, pandemic situation or due to climate change. Thanks.

In my opinion, lectures, circles, clubs and other types of pseudo-activities (including computer literacy courses) cannot provide the necessary level of socialization for older people. This is achieved only by real job and/or volunteer activities. Mastering digital technologies are just a tool, an environment for job and communication. It is necessary to give people the opportunity to do their feasible work directly from the moment of retirement, without a long interruption in their activities.

1.Walking & Exercising

Help your elderly loved one get those endorphins flowing with some form of physical activity. Take walks together around their community, encourage them to join an exercise group or sign them up for swimming.

2. Reading & Writing

If the senior in your life enjoys books, magazines and other reading materials, be sure to make these options available to them regularly. This activity can be done individually, between the two of you or in a group. Would they enjoy discussing their recent reads in a book club setting? This is a fantastic way to speak their opinions and engage socially.

3. Music & Dancing

Even elderly adults with advanced dementia or cognitive impairments can benefit greatly from music-centered activities. Research shows profound positive impacts from music therapy and various forms of musical stimulation. Certain types of music can help trigger memories and support feelings of happiness.

4. Pampering

Last—but certainly not least—there’s the option of treating your elderly loved one to some much-needed self-care. At a salon, barber or spa, they can enjoy haircuts, coloring, styling, manicures, skin treatments, massages and more. Some senior living communities offer these types of services or special events on-site. This is a prime opportunity for the senior in your life to feel pampered and cared for, as well as to engage socially and in a different type of environment.

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you very much for the spacious and well thought out parts in our disscussion. Let me reffer to two of them:

Vladimir, I do agree thet the moment of being retired creates a signiicant point for the socialization of eldery people. But what about the persons who never were employed and than can not be retited? I mean for instance the housewifes, especially living in a countryside. On the other hand, the accesibility of the forms of keeping the participation of such person and society, like clubs, circles, lectures etc. is stricly connected with the nature of the area (big towns, smal towns, countryside). I think the possible soluton is hidden in possibilities offered by contemporary technologies, if we can break the bareers (like technophobia or, more generally, the conviction about the difficulty of using modern technologies). Perhaps the "reverse education" using competencies of young generation should be used?

Rashmi, you are also absolutely right with one (two?) caveats: forms of recreation and other activities of older people undoubtedly depend on the cultural circle in which they operate and - not least importantly - their willingness to take advantage of the opportunities offered. Perhaps the best motivation is a good example offered by friends or acquaintances?

Dear Jan Kaźmierczak, thanks for the important comments. Unfortunately, I can only use limited personal experience. Housewives in my familiar families are usually so well integrated into their families and their environment that the problem of socialization is not very relevant for them. Many of them are good at IT. Nevertheless, I understand that the problem exists and is quite urgent.

As I can see, we (almost) unanimously agree that elderly people need a support focused on their effective functioning in the world of IT. But the second part of my question is still open: who should support them and how to do it? Have you any ideas in this matter?

Older persons are integrated into society in many ways. They are part of social networks of friends and family, are active in clubs and associations, work as volunteers and are economically active. However, older persons may be vulnerable to exclusion. Potential obstacles to equal social participation of older persons include poverty, poor health, low educational levels, lack of transportation, access to services and age discrimination. In this context, achieving social integration and participation has many aspects. It brings all social groups and individuals into the political, social, cultural and economic structures of a society so that they can participate in the decision-making process on issues that concern them. This requires a consensus that exclusion should be minimized and eliminated, and that all those who are disadvantaged should be assisted by society. Social integration is a process of building values, relations and institutions for a society where all individuals, regardless of race, sex, age, ethnicity, language or religion, can fully exercise their rights and responsibilities on an equal basis with others. Every person should be allowed to age in security and with dignity and be in a position to contribute to society in the most meaningful way. Such an environment is at the root of stable, safe and just societies where all members, including vulnerable ones, enjoy equality of opportunities. Integration and participation are therefore closely linked to the notion of social cohesion, a vital element of a healthy society. It denotes the capacity of a society to ensure the welfare of its members, minimizing disparities and avoiding polarization and conflict, and it requires fostering solidarity and reciprocity between generations.

I think that the universal condition for the socialization of older people is the fight against poverty. In a wealthy society, IT is one of the technical means of socialization. In a poor society, it is palliative, "plugging holes."

Regardless of the state of society, the introduction of IT should be built into the existing social security systems, and all their mechanisms must be used: state, public, corporate.