Last June in Bergamo two seniors, Luisa and Rinaldo, embarked on a transformative journey. Despite their different backgrounds, they shared a common goal: to master the digital world and help others do the same.
Luisa, a 73-year-old widow, has two accomplished daughters—one a computer science graduate and the other a mathematician. Despite her age, Luisa was determined to stay connected with her family and the world. Driven by her desire to protect her privacy and learn new digital skills, she enrolled in the T4SElearning course at the Anteas University for the Elderly.
The course offered Luisa the opportunity to learn at her own pace. She mastered basic skills like using the Internet and creating an email account, and even ventured into more advanced topics like organizing a trip and using social networks. Her newfound knowledge not only made her feel more secure but also empowered her to help others in her role as a volunteer coordinator at a retirement center.
Rinaldo, a 69-year-old IT enthusiast, is married with two children. He frequently used his Apple computer and smartphone but wanted to expand his knowledge to include Android devices. When he learned that the senior center he frequented was looking for volunteers to teach a digital course, he eagerly applied.
Rinaldo’s enthusiasm for teaching and technology made him a natural fit for the T4SElearning course. He enjoyed the challenge of understanding different operating systems and applications. Through the course, he learned to navigate various digital tools and applications, enhancing his ability to assist others. His experience as a volunteer instructor not only enriched his own knowledge but also allowed him to share his passion with fellow seniors.
Though Luisa and Rinaldo came from different walks of life, their paths converged at Anteas University for the Elderly thanks to our T4SElearning course. Our collaboration with Anteas -promoted by Bergamo municipality – began in 2024 and will see the delivery of ten courses each year until at least 2026. We hope that Luisa and Rinaldo are just the first of a long series of senior students and peers helping others to embrace new technologies.