They’re 60-and-over and they’re just getting started in the new normal, with the help of technology. Senior citizens, forbidden to leave their homes during the COVID-19 lockdown, have been able to transcend to becoming tech-savvy through Smart Communications’ Millenniors program.

Faced with quarantine restrictions, 61-year-old Jo Mirabel of Marikina City joined many millennials and started an online business. In her case, Jo had an ace up her sleeve: she is a “graduate” of the Smart Communications, Inc. Millenniors Program, which teaches seniors how to use smartphones, mobile data, and social media. The program bridges the divide between seniors and tech-savvy millennials, hence the name.

“I started by watching YouTube. I learned to make native delicacies like puto and biko. My children also learned to make pastillas,’’ she says. They post pictures of their goodies online and take orders from their Facebook friends.

With their day-to-day needs addressed by the business, Jo can focus on staying healthy. She exercises every morning and eats lots of vegetables. “After all, we are more vulnerable to illness,” she concedes, adding, she has been home-bound since the start of the pandemic.

Smart Millenniors like her have learned to embrace the new normal.

For John Bangit, of Sampaloc, this meant a different way of celebrating a milestone. He turned 70 while the community quarantine was still in force in their area.

“We prepared food, as usual, because we knew people would still come over to greet me. My wife cooked spaghetti, and my kids bought cupcakes and chicken,’’ he says. ‘’But this year, we packed them and offered them to well-wishers at the gate.”

They were handing out food packs practically all day, he says, it was almost like having a party.

To keep busy while at home, Bangit turned to gardening. He has planted bougainvilla, eggplants, tomatoes, guavas. “I do it to fight boredom—even when I was younger, I couldn’t stand just eating and sleeping and not doing anything else,” he remarks.

He says the internet and social media have also helped him stay active even when resting. “When I’m not gardening, I like opening Facebook, and Messenger, too,” he says.

Another Marikina Millennior is Josephine Albarida, who likes to stay active, publicly. She has taken to Tik Tok to show off her dance moves.

“I asked my grandchildren to teach me how to use Tik Tok, but the dancing—that's all me,” she exclaims. “It makes me feel young and healthy.”

Her inspiration are her idols, Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, known as Aldub. “I encourage other seniors to try Tik Tok, too. It’s good for seniors to keep moving. Our bodies will be stronger,” she adds.

Since 2017, the Smart Millenniors program has mobilized youth volunteers from barangays, schools, and NGOs in giving tutorials in the use of smartphones, social media and LTE.

The program has reached seniors from Manila, Marikina, and Muntinlupa in Metro Manila; Laguna, Cebu City, Argao, Bantayan, in Cebu; Iligan, Lanao del Norte; Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental; and General Santos, South Cotabato. What Smart Millenniors have learned in only a short period is now serving them in good stead, especially in these uncertain times. #