
Eighty percent of Chinese elderly citizens said they are willing to overcome challenges in smartphone use, according to a survey report on seniors’ ability to adapt to the digital era.

A senior citizen learns to use smartphone in Changsha, central China’s Hunan province on Jan. 12, 2021. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)
About 70 percent of the nearly 10,000 elderly respondents taught themselves how to use mobile phone to surf the internet, said the report jointly issued by Renmin University of China and Chinese digital payment platform Alipay on Feb. 8.
Senior people use their smartphones to read news, chat and make video calls, so as to relieve their loneliness, the report said.
More than 70 percent of the surveyed elderly people expected training courses for them to learn relevant skills, while over 60 percent said they became happier with a smartphone, with some of them saying that they now prefer to chat with friends on messaging apps instead of making phone calls.
The elderly have a stronger demand for digital services under regular COVID-19 epidemic control, as they need to stay updated with the latest information about the epidemic and keep in contact with their family members, the report said.
The report also noted that some respondents had learned how to use online grocery delivery apps during the epidemic.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses