Social Security Management Institute Encourages Digital Inclusion for the Elderly
Workshop held by IGEPPS helps insured individuals over 60 develop digital skills for the safe use of technological tools
Provided for in the Statute of the Elderly (Law 10.741/2003), in effect for over 20 years in Brazil, digital inclusion is a right for all individuals over 60 years old. To ensure connectivity for this segment of the population and to stimulate the exercise of citizenship, as well as access to fundamental rights and emotional health, the Social Security and Social Protection Management Institute of the State of Pará (IGEPPS) offers various virtual services to the insured, including assistance, process consultation, and social security re-registration.
In light of the beneficiaries' need to be able to access the conveniences of electronic systems, the agency held the 3rd edition of the workshop for developing digital skills.
Retirees and pensioners of IGEPPS learned how to use public and banking services through mobile devices. "Just like me, there are many people who do not know how to use the internet and need assistance. Thank you very much," said pensioner Ana Lúcia Malcher, 73, who participated in the initiative for the first time.
Protection - Encouraging digital training enhances self-esteem, autonomy, and healthy aging for the elderly. Knowledge about how new technologies, such as cell phones and computers, work reduces the chances of the elderly becoming victims of cybercrimes, such as financial scams. Most of the time, criminals take advantage of the victims' lack of information.
"I need to be more in tune with digital tools. I always have to ask for help. I depend on other people to solve simple issues," reported Ana Lúcia Malcher.
Psychologist Luzia Poça, from the Psychosocial Care Center of IGEPPS (Naps), stated that the Institute has been investing in the digital inclusion of the elderly since 2022. "When the elderly begin to interact virtually with family, friends, and the world, they transform their daily lives and become less vulnerable to health problems, such as depression," emphasized Luzia Poça.
The policy of encouraging the conscious access of the elderly to new digital technologies is permanent. “Providing retirees and pensioners of IGEPPS with access to and use of technologies is part of the Institute's management priorities, because in addition to inclusion in the digital world, this knowledge allows them to enjoy the online services offered without depending on others. When used safely, technology opens doors to learning, independence, and integration of the individual into modern life,” informed the president of IGEPPS, Washington Albuquerque.
The next edition of the digital inclusion workshop will be on May 13 (Tuesday). Spots are limited, and to register, simply access www.igepps.pa.gov.br
