IS JY SUID-AFRIKA SE CARLOS SAN JUAN?
“Ek is oud, nie ‘n idioot nie.” Dit was die naam van die veldtog wat Carlos San Juan, ‘n 78-jarige afgetrede dokter van Spanje, in Desember 2021 begin het. Hy het geëis dat banke ‘n nuwe benadering volg in hulle interaksies met bejaardes, sowel as om die digitale oorgang vir hierdie teikenmark meer vriendelik te maak.
Carlos, wat aan Parkinsons se siekte ly, sukkel om die knoppies op die ATM te druk om geld te trek, en om ‘n selfoon app te gebruik is veel moeiliker. Hy was ontsteld toe sy bank in antwoord op sy klagte laat weet het dat hy ‘n afspraak met ‘n bankamptenaar via die bank toepassing op sy foon moes maak.
Frustrasie en woede het hom die petisie laat begin in ‘n poging om die banke in Spanje te oorreed om hulle hantering van die ouer geslag te verbeter. Binne die bestek van net 2 maande het hy daarin geslaag om ongeveer 640 000 handtekeninge te versamel. Dit het daartoe gelei dat hy uitgenooi is as gas op verskeie TV programme om sy storie te vertel. Die ouer garde in Spanje het ‘n nuwe kampvegter gevind in Carlos San Juan.
Onder druk van sy veldtog teen die finansiële uitsluiting van bejaardes in die digitale era, het Spaanse banke ingestem om ‘n spesiale protokol te onderteken om hierdie ouderdomsgroep te bedien. Dit sluit in ‘n belofte dat takke persoonlike aandag aan ouer gebruikers gedurende sekere ure sal prioritiseer, spesiale telefoonlyne vir hulle beskikbaar sal stel, toeganklike digitale hulpmiddels sal waarborg en opleiding vir personeel sal verbeter.
Suid-Afrika het ‘n Carlos San Juan nodig, maar gelukkig is daar ‘n paar dinge wat jy kan doen om jouself, of ‘n ouer persoon in jou lewe te kan help om gemakliker oor die weg te kom met die nuwe tegnologie.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Banking for Seniors
There are many senior citizens that have already embraced technology related to online banking. We can however, help either ourselves or someone we know, to become more tech-savvy.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by seniors in adopting digital banking, many South African banks are developing tailored solutions to address their concerns. The elderly often harbor a fear of technology, primarily due to the apprehension of making mistakes with potential social consequences.
To alleviate this fear, starting digital banking on a desktop computer rather than a smartphone app is recommended, as it offers easier navigation. Seniors can gradually transition to mobile apps as they become more confident.
Furthermore, banks offer live online chat options and some even facilitate appointments for video calls, providing personalised assistance.
Digital banking channels are designed to be convenient and user-friendly, offering a wide range of services such as account management, payments, and fund transfers. Despite these benefits, many seniors still prefer in-branch interactions due to perceived security risks associated with online transactions.
To address security apprehensions, banks implement various measures such as device verification and transaction authentication via banking apps. Biometric authentication is also utilized to enhance security and streamline the user experience, significantly reducing the risk of identity theft.
Banks invest in accessible technology, such as using larger fonts, simpler navigation, and voice guidance, to enhance digital banking for seniors. Customised services ensure seniors feel included and empowered to manage their finances independently.
In conclusion, embracing technological innovations in banking is beneficial for everyone, not just senior citizens. It promotes ease, convenience, and safety in financial transactions, ultimately enhancing the banking experience for all users.
