Senior citizens in residential area 9 in Hanoi’s Dich Vong Hau ward participate in the special class in digital transformation and AI. (Photo: Kim Thanh)

At an age when most people have begun to “take it easy”, some elderly residents in residential area 9 in Hanoi’s Dich Vong Hau ward are coming to a weekly class, eager to learn how to use AI.

They say they’re not trying to become programmers or tech specialists, but simply because they don’t want to be left behind. They want to explore helpful information about health and daily life using digital tools.

Most members of the class are retired individuals between 65 and 85 years old. They get excited about using Facebook, TikTok, and ChatGPT for the first time.

Dinh Ngoc Son has complied a teaching plan with a simple, practical, and everyday life-oriented approach. (Photo: Kim Thanh)

Son told VOV that digital transformation and AI development are a priority policy of the Party and Government. The Party General Secretary has even said not to leave anyone behind in this digital transformation revolution.

“While young people adapt very quickly, the elderly are risk lagging behind,” he said, adding, “As soon as I took on the role of Party cell secretary in this residential area, I immediately thought of starting a small project to help the elderly access digital transformation and AI. The idea met with overwhelming support.”

Son said the project had trouble at first obtaining funding and facilities. Everything started from zero.

“I turned a room in my house into a classroom, and used my own projector, water, and other resources. I compiled my own teaching materials. That helped reduce the cost of running the class,” Son recalled.

Thanks to easy to understand methods, elderly learners can practice immediately what they’ve learned. (Photo: Kim Thanh)

Understanding the hesitation older people feel about new technology, Son designed hands-on lessons closely connected to daily life.

He integrated digital technology into practical activities like a neighborhood photo contest to change students’ perception, showing them that technology doesn’t have to be daunting. It can become familiar and relevant to their own lives.

“I use a very simple teaching method. First, I get my elderly students into an eager spirit. Second, whatever they learn, they must be able to use immediately. They take the class very seriously. Today’s session was about participating in a photo contest, and they were very enthusiastic,” Son said.

Photojournalist An Thanh Dat helps the learners edit photos they just took. (Photo: Kim Thanh)

To make the lessons more engaging and easier to absorb, Son invites experts to share their knowledge, including photojournalist An Thanh Dat.

“I really admire these elderly learners,” said Dat. “Despite their age, they’re striving every day to embrace technology. They’re open-minded and incredibly committed. The younger generation should learn from their attitude. I believe it’s essential to make technology more accessible to the elderly.”

The elderly students have consistent and punctual attendance, demonstrating strong dedication and focus.

Learners share what they have just learned in the class. (Photo: Kim Thanh)

After only two months the class has generated some touching stories. One student learned how to upload videos to TikTok so he could share stories of the historic events he personally experienced. Another student, who lost the use of one arm after a stroke, uses a cane to get to class.

Son said, “This project aims to inspire people never to stop learning because we now have wonderful new tools like AI available. I want older people to feel more confident and see that digital transformation is not just theoretical but something that can benefit them.”

A learner in the class practices uploading photos on social platforms. (Photo: Kim Thanh)

Son said these simple yet inspiring examples have motivated him to continue his meaningful journey, hoping that the project will further spread the spirit of lifelong learning within the community.