Brenda Davis-White, a 76-year-old retired operating room nurse from Sidney, British Columbia, describes herself as “a bit of a Luddite” due to limited exposure to technology throughout her career. After years without a cellphone and relying heavily on family for tech assistance, she sought professional help to gain confidence in using digital devices. Her experience reflects a growing trend among seniors seeking tailored technology support to navigate everyday digital tasks and protect themselves from online scams.
Davis-White connected with Gavin Koh, a tech tutor operating in Victoria, Sidney, and Saanich, B.C., who provides in-home lessons designed to help seniors become comfortable with smartphones, tablets, and online platforms. Koh, who charges $120 for a 90-minute session, notes that his clients typically fall into three categories: those completely new to technology, newly retired individuals seeking to expand their skills, and those frustrated by the lack of foundational knowledge. Many seniors in the latter group say they never had the opportunity to learn technology skills due to other life responsibilities.
Koh emphasizes the practical benefits of one-on-one tutoring, noting that many of his clients have spent hours on unproductive phone calls with customer service representatives. His hands-on approach allows for quick problem-solving and instruction. A significant part of his work also focuses on helping seniors identify and avoid scams; he estimates that about 30% of his clients have been victims of digital fraud, including highly educated professionals who have fallen for common schemes such as fake gift card solicitations.
In Ottawa, Connected Canadians, a national digital inclusion nonprofit, offers free, personalized technology coaching and group workshops for seniors through a network of nearly 900 volunteers. Co-founder and CEO Emily Jones Joanisse highlights the strain that repeated requests for tech help can place on family relationships, leading many older adults to seek external support. Their programs cover a wide range of skills, from online banking and email to video calling and social media.
Jones Joanisse also points to a segment of seniors using these opportunities for self-fulfillment, pursuing personal projects such as writing, publishing, or promoting their artwork online. Additionally, she notes that some clients are learning new technology after the loss of a partner who previously handled these tasks, facing both grief and the challenge of adapting to digital platforms on their own.
A key aspect of Connected Canadians’ approach is fostering human connection alongside technical skills, aiming to reduce loneliness and isolation often experienced by seniors. As digital tools become increasingly necessary for daily activities—such as booking appointments, purchasing tickets, or communicating with family—proficiency in technology is seen as essential for social inclusion.
Ensuring that older adults can confidently use digital devices is also viewed as a way to honor their ongoing contributions to society. For seniors like Davis-White, acquiring these skills has meant greater independence and a renewed sense of empowerment in managing their digital lives.