Mutual Benefit in the Age of New Technology: Guidelines for Intergenerational Digital Companionship

Chen Yi-Hsuan (Teacher Qianli)
Lecturer at Senior Universities and Active Aging Learning Centers / Freelance Instructor

With a background in online course design and copywriting, she has twice received the Ministry of Education’s Outstanding Teacher Award for Active Aging Education. She has published five books on digital literacy for seniors, all of which have ranked on the bestseller list of Books.com.tw. She has also contributed to the development of various active aging teaching materials and handbooks, and has designed over a hundred digital video courses.

I have been a digital instructor in the field of active aging for over a decade. As a “digital immigrant” myself—someone who entered the digital world midway through life—I’ve accompanied thousands of fellow digital immigrants and digital “refugees” (those who firmly resist using digital devices) on their learning journeys.

Over the years, I’ve also served as a bridge between younger and older generations. Through various training programs, I’ve helped foster more meaningful digital interactions across ages. Perhaps because of my role as a “digital teacher,” people often approach me in daily life with questions about technology. Through these countless digital moments, I’ve come to realize that “digital companionship” is never a one-way teaching process—it is always a precious, reciprocal journey.

Sometimes, they inspire me. For instance, I’ve learned that due to aging, a simple tap versus a long press on a screen can become a significant digital challenge. Other times, I inspire them—such as helping someone understand that a missed call might simply mean the other person didn’t recognize the reason for the call.

So how can we create these mutually beneficial journeys in a world shaped by new technology?

Helping Older Adults Embrace Digital Empowerment

1. Start with Real-Life Needs to Spark Motivation

Everyone has different reasons for learning technology. Some want to video chat with family, some need to register for events online, while others simply want to follow their friends who are using digital payment tools. Some even dream of becoming true digital experts.

Put aside your own assumptions and truly listen to their perspectives. Begin with their needs, not with what you think is convenient or useful. Learning should be driven by personal relevance, not imposed expectations. Only then can genuine motivation for digital learning emerge—without the pressure often associated with technology.

2. Simplify Concepts, Diversify Applications

Try to simplify complex digital concepts by relating them to familiar past experiences. For example, you can explain Wi-Fi as being like a cordless home phone, which works within a certain signal range; or describe a LINE ID as similar to a personal ID number—unique to each individual. These kinds of analogies help digital immigrants take their first steps into the digital world with ease.

When it comes to application, however, it’s important to provide a variety of real-life scenarios. For instance, practicing QR code scanning should involve accessing videos, registration forms, menus, instructions, and more. This not only reinforces memory but also builds familiarity and confidence with using the technology.

3. From intuitive understanding to step-by-step guidance

For many middle-aged and older adults, digital interfaces are not always intuitive or user-friendly. Moreover, many apps are designed with younger users in mind, which often makes them more difficult to navigate for older learners.

Some tasks require a clear breakdown into smaller steps. When doing so, it’s best to limit the steps to no more than five, and avoid rushing. Don’t expect someone to master the task just by watching you do it once. Instead, guide them with a clear and logical sequence.

One key principle: let them do it themselves.
Our role is to patiently accompany them, guiding each step as needed, but always allowing them to take action on their own. Only through hands-on experience can true learning happen.

This process is not just about acquiring digital skills—it is a warm journey of mutual understanding and shared growth between generations.

Offer printed manuals to assist with operation

4. From Technical Value to Emotional Value

When we teach someone how to use a function—whether it's taking photos with a smartphone or sending images through LINE—it’s not just about technical progress. What truly matters is the connection behind the skill: their ability to share moments with friends and stay in touch with family.

Our presence and support in this process are deeply meaningful. Their progress is not only functional but emotionally significant. The mutual encouragement exchanged during learning creates emotional value—that is what makes digital empowerment truly moving and impactful.

5. Allow Room for Trial and Error, and Build Media Literacy

Making mistakes is a natural part of learning, and for adult learners, learning through errors can be the most valuable kind. As companions, we should resist the urge to immediately step in or criticize. Instead, we should allow space for trial and error. Our patience helps build their confidence and willingness to continue learning.

In addition, as we guide others in using digital tools, we must also help them develop media literacy—including recognizing misinformation, verifying sources, and avoiding scams. Since most new media is embedded within digital platforms, helping learners build media awareness is an essential task. It not only protects them but also equips them with the critical skills needed to fully participate in modern society.

Practice scanning to order directly at a restaurant

A Bridge for Intergenerational Dialogue: Sharing Values through Co-learning, Passing Wisdom through Interaction

1. Skills and Experiences Beyond the Digital World

Life is far more than digital. Everyone holds unique experiences and expertise that may not immediately shine in the digital realm but are nonetheless invaluable. These could include traditional skills like tea ceremony, flower arrangement, gardening—or intangible qualities such as interpersonal communication, resilience in the face of challenges, or graceful acceptance of loss. Sharing these life experiences across generations offers tremendous value.

2. Life Wisdom Before the Digital Era

Was life impossible before digital tools? Certainly not. People used notebooks to memorize phone numbers, planned their schedules manually, maintained relationships without instant messaging, and even navigated the world with paper maps in hand. This slower, deeper way of living carries a kind of wisdom and rhythm that modern, fast-paced digital life often overlooks. When viewed with appreciation, what may seem like “wasting time” could in fact be a refined way of savoring life.

3. Understanding and Respecting the Younger Generation (Digital Natives)

With companionship comes courage to try. Mobile ordering, e-payments, digital tickets, and social media communication—these are integral to the daily lives of the younger generation. If we can accompany older adults through the awkwardness of their first-time use, they may also come to appreciate the lifestyle of digital natives. Mutual understanding and respect can foster more harmonious intergenerational relationships.

Though digital technology is a tool, in the process of companionship between the young and the old, it becomes a bridge of connection. By experiencing society together and sharing everyday life, we can begin a beautiful journey of mutual benefit. Technology has never been just a cold screen—it is a warm medium for connecting hearts.