Seniors have fun going hi-tech
Surfing the web is no longer limited to the younger generation thanks to a $1.3 million government investment that will give seniors throughout the Great Southern free access to computers and internet training.
The Broadband for Seniors program is available at the Gnowangerup, Katanning and Tambellup community resource centres and will assist people aged over 50 in computer and internet training to improve their online skills.
Gnowangerup Community Resource Centre coordinator Gemma Gaze said it was important to keep the seniors up to date with technology.
“The great part about CRC is we have a space to assist them. It is all financially set up so it means they don’t have to worry,” she said.
The program includes access to volunteer tutors and self-paced online tutorials that are designed to teach cyber safety, email use and general online skills.
With four computers and a seniors’ club that meet regularly to use the program, Katanning CRC manager Julie Bucknell said they had seen improvements from users already.
“Seniors come in from all different levels of knowledge, some already have tablets and kindles; as a training resource this program really helps them,” she said.
“The majority use it as a great social activity. They all come in, sit together and like to learn together.”
About 1600 broadband kiosks are set up to assist 97,000 seniors across Australia.
Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said everyone should have the opportunity to build confidence and skills using the computer and the internet.
