Language translation resources help older adults communicate
By Mary Anna Rodabaugh
Nearly 20% of Philadelphians, aged 65-plus, speak a language other than English, according to the American Community Survey. These older adults may face language barriers to daily tasks. These barriers can affect tasks such as accessing health care, managing finances, or filing for insurance.
Older adults who speak a language other than English may also struggle to communicate with younger family members who are more fluent in English. This can include younger family members whose primary language is English.
There are language resources available to help older adults communicate and learn.
PCA Language Lines
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) provides free interpretation to help older adults access its services. PCA manages five separate foreign-language telephone lines:
- Korean – 215-399-4941
- Chinese – 215-399-4944
- Khmer (Cambodia) – 215-399-4940
- Korean – 215-399-4941
- Hindi – 215-399-4943
- Vietnamese – 215-399-4942
Callers to the PCA Helpline (215-765-9040) can get interpretation in any language through an on-call language interpreter. PCA’s website (www.pcaCares.org) also provides automatic translation in nine languages with the click of a button.
In addition to PCA’s services, there are several tools and apps that can help older adults overcome language barriers in daily life. The tools listed here were selected for their accessibility, ease of use, and availability across many languages.
Translators for Elders (TFE)
TFE breaks down language barriers for older adults. The nonprofit organization enhances the lives of older adults through improved communication. TFE satisfies the need for language services.
What started as a class project grew into a national effort to support older adults. TFE provides language, translation and interpretation services for older adults and underserved communities.
TFE receives translation and interpretation requests online. The requests are fulfilled by expert translators and volunteers.
TFE offers translation services in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German and Korean. To submit a request or to learn more, visit TranslatorsForElders.org.
Google Translate
Google offers a free service that instantly translates words, phrases and webpages. Google translates between English and more than 100 other languages. You can even translate by voice on a computer or smartphone. Click on the microphone icon, then spoken words will be translated in real time. This service works instantly, providing older adults with a quick resource when needed. For more information, visit translate.google. com.
TextGrabber
This smartphone application translates written text in real time. The app is free to download, but some features—like unlimited translations or offline mode—require a paid subscription. Just scan the words with the camera. TextGrabber can translate more than 100 languages. It can read street signs, documents and more. You can find TextGrabber in your mobile device’s app store.
Zoom
Zoom is video chat software. It can also be used for work meetings, online classes and communications with loved ones who live far away. Zoom is different from other video chat applications. The person who initiates the call (“host”) can apply subtitles to the meeting. This allows participants to see the conversation translated in real time. To enable this feature, follow the instructions below:
1. Sign into Zoom.
2. Select Settings.
3. Click the Meeting tab.
4. Under In Meeting (Advanced), click the Language Interpretation toggle to enable or disable it.
For more information or to open a Zoom account, visit www.zoom.us.
With these tools and PCA’s services, older adults can overcome language barriers and stay connected, informed, and empowered every day.
Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.
