Redefining the role of elderly as facilitator to educate young generation through information and communication technology

Abstract

The world is experiencing an important demographic transformation: the unprecedented ageing of the population of almost all developed and developing countries. The disintegration of joint family system has led to a vulnerable position of the elderly and left them with a lack of safety, security and self-confidence harboring feelings of social isolation in them. Social engagement and social support are important determinants of successful ageing in later life. This paper focuses on elderly as an asset and not as an issue for future sustainability of the nation. This is a group that has acquired a lifetime of skills, knowledge and wisdom which can be shared with the younger generation, contributing to the knowledge capital of the society. Older people are not just recipients, they are contributors, can be providers of social care and childcare for grandchildren. This is an action oriented research paper which explores whether a viable and replicable model to provide quality formal and informal education can be created using remote teaching and interactive learning process (using Internet and Web 2.0 technology) with elderly community at one end and young children at the other end. This paper is based on a wellbeing study of 25 urban elderly in Kolkata which shows the acceptance of the negative stereotypes of elderly being burden and passive units of society by elderly themselves leading to their assumption of disappearing from society. The creation of self-image in media makes the process of ageing a fearful and unhappy one. Physical mobility is a common problem of the aged. But it must not be a hindrance to social involvement among elderly. This can be mitigated by the intervention of the virtual world. This paper thus intends to explore the use of a social media platform aiming connecting generations where elderly can play a critical role in shaping up a future if they choose not to withdraw as they age, but to nurture themselves and the community as active elders.