The award ceremony, held on Monday 16 December in the Congress of Deputies, was attended by the managing director of Fundación Telefónica, Luis Prendes, the President of CEOMA, José Luis Fernández Santillana, Elma Saiz, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Pablo Bustinduy, Minister of Social Rights and 2030 Agenda and the President of the Congress, Francina Armengol. Health Minister Mónica García also took part by video conference.

Technology at the service of all

The fast digital transformation of recent years has resulted in certain sectors of society not having the time or resources to understand and adapt to the new digital era.  It has made people vulnerable who were not vulnerable before, especially the elderly. According to the report ‘Digital Society in Spain 2023’ published by Fundación Telefónica, only three quarters of people over 65 have used the Internet in the last three months, and only 60% use it on a daily basis.

Post-war children are a generation with a wide range of life experiences. They have witnessed the most radical changes our society has seen in the last century, and the digital age should not be a barrier to them being able to contribute their full potential to the community. Fundación Telefónica, through RECONECTADOS. Technology is ageless, advocates digital knowledge as a bridge between its experience and the new technological environment.

The in-person training cycle will take place at the Espacio Fundación Telefónica and comprise different workshops. Its content will focus on how the mobile phone works, applications to improve everyday life, how to use WhatsApp better, safer use of technology and an introduction to new emerging technologies such as the Metaverse. The sessions will be guided by Fundación Telefónica’s educational team and they will also be accompanied by Telefónica Volunteers.

In addition, during the face-to-face sessions, different activities will be carried out so that elderly people can experience the knowledge generated by the Espacio Fundación Telefónica, such as guided visits to the exhibitions and participation in specific events of interest to them.

These training contents will also be available through online courses so that everyone can do them at their own pace and in any place, thus extending the impact of the project to everyone wishing to improve their digital skills.

Likewise, aware of the importance of the close environment for the elderly, through either family members or professionals who work with them on a daily basis, Fundación Telefónica provides them with training resources so that they can accompany the senior collective in their learning process.