Japan

For younger generations like ours, technologies like smartphones and Apple Pay have become essential.

However there are people in the world who have difficulty using this kind of technology.

This blog is about how older adults feel about technology.

Japanese examples

Here I will write about Japanese examples.

1, https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/en/
Japan has a government-created system called the My Number Card. This card is a convenient card that can be used as an ID card at hospitals, banks, etc.
This is a system created by the government in recent years and citizens need to create their own cards using their smartphones and other devices.
Many older people have a hard time getting this card made, and many have not done so yet.

2, https://paypay.ne.jp/store/
In Japan, there is a QR code payment tool called paypay.

In Japan, many people buy things with cash, but this is a convenient system that allows you to shop with just your smartphone.
This is also difficult for the elderly who have difficulty using their phones.

Interview Results

I interviewed my grandparents about technology. Here are their answers.

1, Do you personally struggle with navigating through the world with technology?

No difficulty, but I cannot use AI like chat GPT.

苦労はしていないが、チャットGPTなどのAIを使えていない

2, What can you do through your smartphone? (ex. Calling or messaging or using the internet.)

Email, Web search, Get Tickets, Camera

メール、ネット検索、チケット入手、カメラ

3, Do you use my number card system or paypay?

I use my number card but not paypay.

マイナンバーカードは使っているがpaypayは使っていない。

4, Would you like to receive courses for the management of new technologies?

No, I don't think so.
そうは思わない。

5, Do you feel heard in your struggles with technology’s rise?

I feel that when I have a problem, I can only get help by chat, etc., and often cannot contact them by phone.

困った時にチャットなどでの対応しかしてもらえず、電話で問い合わせられないことが多いと感じる。

Conclusion

Although the grandparents I interviewed were doing relatively well with technology, I found that they did not have an adequate support system.

Companies and governments that create technology need to have adequate support systems in place for the future.

Ryota is responsible for this article.