In over a decade in the industry, energy analyst Kurush Mistry has built a reputation for his analytical prowess, leveraging cutting-edge data to navigate complex oil markets. But beyond his demanding career, Mistry has found fulfillment in a vastly different pursuit: teaching digital literacy to elderly members of his community.
“As someone who likes to think of himself as being a helpful, generous person, I was a little bit ashamed that I hadn’t really done any proper regular volunteering,” Mistry reveals. “I started looking for opportunities and there were the usual ones, and I’ve done some of them as in the past sporadically, either as part of a company-sponsored thing or on my own, packing boxes or picking up leftover food for food pantries, for example. But this one really stood out, because it wasn’t only working with elders, it’s working with elders on helping them with their personal electronic devices.”
Kurush Mistry: ‘An Interesting Experience’
Mistry had witnessed one of his elder relative’s reluctance and struggle to embrace new technologies. “I remember getting them to use a smartphone for the first time. That was an interesting experience,” he says. “If they had still been on a flip phone, they might have been happy with it, but this whole world wouldn’t have opened up for them and we wouldn’t have been able to be as connected.”
Now able to whatsapp and video-chat with their children scattered across the globe, as well as browse the internet and watch videos on YouTube, Mistry’s relative had undergone a transformative experience — one Kurush Mistry wanted to bring to others. Determined to help bridge that gap, Mistry was delighted to find an organization that provides one-on-one tech support for older people. Working alongside these senior clients, he quickly discovered the work went far deeper than just troubleshooting devices.
“I’ve realized that it’s really the loneliness and disconnectedness that a lot of elders feel from what they view is a fast-changing and different or new world,” he observes. “And while you start with problem-solving a couple of things, it very quickly gets into exploring something they’ve heard of or that you can suggest, that would broaden or deepen their experience significantly.”
Giving the Gift of Music
One memorable interaction Kurush Mistry recalls involved an elderly woman who had a stack of CDs but her CD player was broken and she wanted to buy a new one. As an alternative, he introduced her to Spotify, and it opened up a whole new world for her.
“It was just a mind-blowing experience for her and completely understandable because if you have been away from this spurt in technology over the past 10 years, then it’s completely life changing,” he shares. “And now when I go over and visit her, she’s like, ‘Oh, I’ve listened to this opera today, or I did this,’ and she’s making playlists on Spotify and things like that, which are really, I’d say, life-enriching.”
Interestingly, Mistry has found that the skills he’s gained through this volunteer work — patience, active listening, empathy — have enhanced his interactions in other settings, be they professional or social/personal. “I can draw on the lessons I’ve learned from my elderly students about communicating effectively and building trust.”
As Mistry continues to split his time between his professional life and volunteering, he remains inspired by the resilience and adaptability of his elderly students. “They show that you’re never too old to embrace new technologies and connect with the world. If they can do it, it motivates me to keep learning and growing, too.”
The Power of Human Connection
Through his volunteer work, Kurush Mistry is teaching digital skills while also building bridges between generations and reminding everyone of the power of human connection, regardless of age or technological fluency. In an industry often focused on data and automation, Mistry’s story serves as a heartwarming testament to the enduring importance of care, empathy, and interpersonal engagement.
As he continues to make a difference in the lives of local seniors, Mistry has discovered that the lessons he’s learning go both ways — a true exchange of wisdom across the generations. “These seniors have so much to teach us. Their life experiences, their resilience, their gratitude for the small things — it’s humbling and inspiring. I may be the one providing the tech support, but I always leave feeling like I’ve gained so much more than I’ve given.”
Mistry hopes to see more organizations and initiatives dedicated to empowering older adults in the digital age. “The need is only going to grow as technology continues to advance at a rapid pace,” he observes. “We have to find ways to ensure no one is left behind or made to feel disconnected from the modern world.”