Cyber safety awareness for Seniors at Bless retirement home, Aluva

Oleevia Foundation, under Project Jankaari, conducted a cyber security awareness session for senior citizens at Bless Retirement Home, Aluva. The initiative addressed growing digital risks faced by elders using smartphones and online payments. Guided by Krishnakumar K T, CMD, Oleevia Group,the programme blended practical safety drills with behavioural insights. Participants learned to recognise scams, use settings, and ask for support when suspicious messages, calls, links, or payment requests appear.
The main briefing was delivered by Mr.Thalhath, Assistant Sub-Inspector, Cyber Police. He outlined fraud patterns targeting seniors, including phishing, OTP traps, UPI misuse, malware, and impersonation. Residents practised verifying identities,setting strong passcodes, and enabling two-factor authentication. Do-and-don’t lists and case examples made guidance memorable.Psychologist and Chief Projects Manager,Mr Gautam Ramakrishnan, explored the psychology behind cyber crimes—how scammers exploit urgency, isolation,authority cues, and reciprocity. He offered mindset tools: pause before responding,verify through trusted numbers, and discuss doubts with family or caregivers.
The programme was delivered in collaboration with Malayala Manorama and the Inner Wheel Club of Rotary Global Cochin,widening community reach and resource support. Partners committed to periodic refresher meets, printed checklists in Malayalam and English, and a simple action flow chart for reporting threats. Oleevia Foundation will continue with digital hygiene audits,caregiver orientations, and volunteer “digital buddy” visits for residents needing extra assistance. With continued guidance from Krishnakumar K T, CMD, Oleevia Group, Project Jankaari will deepen engagement at eldercare facilities across Kerala,strengthening confidence to use technology safely, independently,reclaim agency and dignity online.