“It seems to me that the image of the modern retiree is slowly changing, also in Poland,” says Danuta Zamaro, head of the “Senior” Day Care Home. – “Seniors want to participate in the modern world, and the Internet makes that possible for them. They do not want to stand on the sidelines; they want to learn about all the technological innovations that make life easier.” Krzysztof Kawałko, an occupational therapy instructor, is also convinced that access to the Internet has an excellent effect on older people’s well-being. “Our residents see that they can manage, and that motivates others as well,” says the instructor.
Beginnings
“At first, everything looked terrifying,” smiles Genowefa Herbut, a senior resident. She does not have a computer at home. Thanks to the Internet at the day care home, she can easily find information about current events—both in Poland and in Bolesławiec. The senior also reads about various creams and cosmetics. “It is hard to imagine how much you can find here,” Mrs. Genowefa admits.
Each senior has their own email account. The Internet allows them to develop their interests, including those for which they may once have lacked the time. Thanks to this virtual window onto the world, the home’s residents stay in touch with relatives who either live abroad or left their native Bolesławiec long ago. Zofia Dziura uses the benefits of technology to talk with her grandson and great-granddaughter, who live in Ireland. She is also pleased that she no longer has to call the railway station to check train and bus departure times. “It is a shame I took to it so late,” Mrs. Zofia admits.
“It is not true that retirement should be only about resting,” Danuta Zamaro points out. This does not mean, of course, that seniors browse only virtual dictionaries and encyclopedias or that they do not have fun. Quite the opposite. They play solitaire and various other games. But anyone who thought that computers here were used only for entertainment and strengthening family ties would be mistaken. The device is often used for practical purposes. Franciszka Wojsa pays some bills over the Internet.
The computers were donated by the South-Western Forum of Local Government “Pogranicze,” an association with which the “Senior” Day Care Home has cooperated for many years. “Pogranicze’s” pilot project, “Internet for Seniors,” received co-financing from European Union funds. The project cost PLN 30,000. The money was used to purchase modern equipment: three computers, a printer, a scanner, webcams, as well as desks and swivel chairs. A group of seniors also completed training under the supervision of a specialist.
Plans
Jerzy Zieliński, president of “Pogranicze,” announces that the “Internet for Seniors” project will also be carried out in Lubań, Lwówek Śląski and Zgorzelec. “It is worth doing because a computer is a tool of modern life,” the president points out. “Our seniors do not want to feel marginalized,” adds Danuta Zamaro.
(GA report)