IN 2013 we live in an increasingly online world which can leave older people, not so familiar with the technology, out of the loop.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“You really do miss out on so much,” Colleen McNeil, who recently completed the Tech Savvy Seniors course at Forster-Tuncurry Community College, said.
“My (computer) knowledge was very limited and you find that everything is online these days. My husband Charles did the course as well and before that he used to say ‘I can’t even turn the thing on’.”
Colleen, is now a frequent user of skype, facebook and itunes which allows her to stay in regular contact with her grandkids who recently moved to Wales.
“I just love Skype with the grandkids, they even try to grab you through the screen. It’s not just talking to them on the phone they can actually see you and say ‘that’s Nan’ it’s wonderful.”
Colleen said that communicating through the internet was a much cheaper way, particularly for pensioners, of staying in contact with friends and family.
“I’m on facebook with lots of girlfriends from down in Sydney which is a lot cheaper than talking on the phone. My grandson was recently in India and (facebook) that was the way he stayed in contact so we knew he was okay.”
Though she’s an avid facebook user the enthusiasm is yet to extend to the time-honoured facebook tradition of ‘selfies’ (self-taken photos).
“I haven’t got any photo on my profile, I don’t want one, but it is good that you can other people can upload photos of you. We just celebrated Charles’ birthday at the Golf Club, it wasn’t going to be a big thing, but some people took some photos and even a video that all went of facebook for all our family and friends to see.”
Colleen didn’t hesitate to encourage other seniors to enrol in the Tech Savvy Seniors course.
“I’ve already recommended it to several friends, I think it really helps you connect with people.”
The free Tech Savvy Seniors program is run in partnership by Telstra and the NSW government. Telstra area general manager for Hunter and Central Coast, Chris Cusack, said the program aims to show seniors how they can benefit from new communications technologies.
“The digital age presents wonderful opportunities – such as staying in touch with family, friends and making new friends through social media. The convenience of smartphones and computers means access to online shopping, paying bills and banking, planning holidays and connecting to the wider community has never been easier,” Mr Cusack said.
People interested in the course are urged to contact Forster-Tuncurry Community College for enrolments. For those unable to attend a course, local libraries including Great Lakes Library, are eligible to receive Tech Savvy Seniors training materials.