Empowering seniors through technology: insights from Vincenzo Rombolà, innovator and volunteer
Vincenzo Rombolà is a dedicated volunteer with the Anteas Association, one of our most valued partners in Italy. After attending one of our Tablet for Seniors (T4S) courses in Bergamo, he was so inspired that he immediately became a trainer himself. Stories like Vincenzo’s are what we cherish most, so we sat down with him over a coffee to reflect on his personal journey and his experience with the course.
Vincenzo, what is your background?
I worked for many years as an employee of the Municipality of San Giovanni Bianco, in Bergamo, Italy, where I managed essential services including tax collection, budgeting, accounting, and personnel management. Since starting my career in 1972, I have always been passionate about using technology to simplify procedures, reduce errors, and avoid delays. My personal motto is, “Make work organization more efficient.” I like to think of myself as an innovator, always working to find new ways to improve everyday processes.
What motivated you to volunteer for Anteas?
I believe no one knows everything, and whenever there is an opportunity, it is best to take advantage of it. Once new knowledge is acquired, we figure out how to use it. During the T4S course, I discovered new applications and functions I did not previously know. Tablets not only facilitate socialization and help combat loneliness but also enable practical tasks such as making online payments, using SPID (the Italian digital identity system), managing email, and participating in group communication. All of this empowers seniors to manage their daily lives more independently and confidently. I appreciated these benefits and, when I became a trainer, I happily shared what I had learned with other participants.
How was your experience as a teacher?
The participants were eager to learn new things, so I created an appetite for more. They were very interested in practical skills like sending emails with attachments, setting the radio alarm clock, making phone calls, taking photos, and socializing via social media. Technology, when properly used, expands cognitive abilities and social inclusion. Continuous engagement with digital tools opens new opportunities and helps overcome barriers, especially for older adults.
What kind of impact do you think the training had?
The most significant impact on elderly people was socialization. On one hand, they attended the course, met other people, and connected with peers. On the other hand, learning to use a tablet provides infinite opportunities to socialize. For example, I searched for a friend I hadn’t spoken to for decades and reconnected with her—a truly heartwarming experience. Through internet research, I uncovered my family’s historical roots dating back to the 13th century and explored cultural topics like the painter Artemisia Gentileschi, showing how technology can open doors to endless discovery. Technology has truly enriched both my personal journey and social life, opening doors I never imagined possible.
Anteas
Founded in 1996, Anteas was inspired by various local experiences promoted and supported by the National Federation of CISL Pensioners. Over the years, the Association has grown significantly and is now established throughout Italy, with around 500 volunteer and social promotion associations and more than 80,000 members. Today, Anteas is dedicated to all those who share a commitment to civil and social solidarity, fostering authentic relationships among people, promoting active citizenship, and combating involuntary loneliness. More at www.anteas.org.
This interview was made possible thanks to our volunteer and teacher, Mariapia Ferrara, who first met Vincenzo while leading the Tablet for Seniors course he attended. It is truly a story of friendship and gratitude.