Older Australians, 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. However, since COVID 19 the need for “smartphones” has increased.

A smartphone is a mobile phone that 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 a piece of software that is installed and used on a computer. For example, the owner of a smartphone can download the Service NSW app, which gives them ready access to the COVID-19 check in scan mechanism.

There are literally millions of apps available to smartphone users. Here are some of the apps we have on our phones:

• Facebook, a place to share your thoughts with friends and various interest groups such as gardening clubs, historical societies, etc.
• Spotify, a music depository that enables users to compile ‘albums’ of their favourite artists, and listen to music on their phones.
• Healthengine, an app that enables users to see their doctor’s availability and book doctor’s appointments.
• Service NSW, an app that contains 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 that allows people to catch up on the latest news in the Hilltops region.

It is easy to feel as if you are being left behind in this modern world, but thankfully people are understanding about this and provide work-arounds. For example, while electronic copies of your COVID-19 vaccination certificate are available on the Medicare app, your doctor can also print the certificate off for you so 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: Be Connected Network Home | Be Connected

• Topics:

• Seniors
• Science & Technology
• Covid-19