How I discovered the digital world at 77

Discovering the digital world in retirement

At 77, Istvánné Lázár is now retired but remains determined to keep up with the latest trends. With the help of the Interreg Co-Age project, she has begun her journey into the world of digital communication. 'I am grateful that I can discover the internet world thanks to the Co-Age project,' she says.

Bridging the digital divide in rural areas

Elderly people living in rural areas often face barriers to learning new technologies. To address this, the Co-Age project provides trusted persons, volunteers, and events to support digital literacy. One of its beneficiaries, Mrs. Lázár, shared her story of discovering electronic communication with the help of the project.

'I live a very active life in my village. I work in my small garden, travel, and go wherever I can. The phone allows me to stay in touch with my children and make arrangements for trips.'

For a curious and independent explorer like Mrs. Lázár, using a phone for basic communication was just the beginning. She sought more opportunities to deepen her digital knowledge, which led her to the Co-Age trusted persons who supported her journey.

Learning through local support

Co-Age employs trusted persons in rural areas near the Austro-Hungarian border, including regions such as Südburgenland, Graz und Oststeiermark, Győr-Moson-Sopron, and Vas megye. One of these project colleagues introduced digital communication tools to elderly residents in Mrs. Lázár’s village, providing her with new opportunities to learn.

'When I heard that Dobosné Gyöngyi, the Co-Age representative in Harka, announced a free computer course, I immediately seized the opportunity. I also learned how to get a smartphone at a better price and bought one. I am very pleased to gain new experiences thanks to my new smartphone.'

Building connections and skills

Mrs. Lázár has made great strides in her digital literacy journey. She now takes photos, sends them to friends, uses the internet to chat in the evenings, and even tracks her steps with her smartphone.

'During the trips, we teach each other how to use the different functionalities of the smartphone.'

Beyond the practical skills, these newfound abilities help reduce feelings of loneliness for elderly people living alone. By connecting with others and staying engaged, they find new ways to participate in their communities.

Mrs. Lázár already has her next goal in mind: 'I’m now planning to go to the bank to learn how to do internet banking.'