These courses provide not only technological skills but also a sense of community and connection for the elderly.

At 2 PM, Mr. Nguyen Phuong, 67, drives his wife to a special class in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Here, he, his wife, and their peers learn to use applications on smartphones and tablets.

Previously, Phuong only used basic phones, so when he acquired a smartphone, he felt overwhelmed.

Knowing the new phone offered many useful applications and conveniences, Phuong was curious. Sometimes, he felt frustrated because he couldn’t understand or use the phone's features.

"I don't know how to book a ride, order food, or transfer money via the phone, and I have to ask others to do it, which is very inconvenient," Phuong shares. "When I found out about this smartphone class, I knew it was necessary and encouraged my wife to join with me."

His goal is to gain basic understanding of smartphones and learn essential applications such as transferring money, paying bills, making calls, and ordering services.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bui Thanh Lam, 64, decided to join the smartphone class organized by the Young Science and Technology Development Center of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union, to avoid feeling left behind in today's digital world.

At home, Lam's family frequently communicates through social media. Family and friends have created chat groups to share pictures and memorable moments, while Lam could only answer calls and listen.

Initially, Lam struggled to remember the numerous steps and English terms, but she diligently recorded notes and reviewed the materials provided by the instructor.

Joining the class with Lam is Mr. Phan Gap, 82, from Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City. A former teacher of Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry in English, Gap had already explored smartphone basics. Despite being retired and elderly, he continues to learn to avoid becoming outdated.

"Even though I've retired, I still use my smartphone to download necessary applications like a calculator, dictionary, and map," Gap says. "Every day, I solve Math, Physics, and Chemistry problems on these apps to exercise my brain. I also use social media and various apps, but I came to the class to enhance my smartphone knowledge."

In class, participants are guided on essential apps and how to detect and handle misinformation on social media, as well as phone scams.

A beneficial playground

Thiem Phuong Anh, in charge of training and scientific research at the Young Science and Technology Development Center, states that these classes started in 2013. Initially, they focused on computer basics.

Now, the center teaches the use of laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Recently, the demand for smartphone classes among the elderly has risen significantly.

In response, the center increased classes from 5-6 sessions per course to 12 sessions. "Today, many older participants want to learn smartphone and tablet skills," Anh explains. "They wish to connect with family, use apps to fulfill daily needs like ordering food, booking rides, and navigating maps."

Each class lasts two hours. Before lessons, participants engage in group activities, even celebrating each other's birthdays.

Once class begins, volunteer instructors assist them directly, helping answer questions about smartphones. Many report newfound confidence in connecting with family and using beneficial smartphone apps.

After seven classes, Phuong not only reads news on his phone but also uses social media to stay in touch with friends and family. He no longer relies on others to book rides or order food online.

Lam, sitting nearby, expresses pride in her newfound ability to video call her daughter and grandchildren abroad. Previously, she could only hear their voices, but now she sees their faces and surroundings.

"This class is like discovering a whole new world for me," Lam says. "Previously, I used a smartphone but wasn't familiar with all its features. Now, I'm continually surprised by what I learn."

In addition to gaining technical skills, the class offers a welcoming community, providing a place for seniors to socialize and share experiences.

Ha Nguyen