Are you Australia’s most ‘tech-savvy’ senior?
Do you have more Facebook friends than your grandchildren or more Twitter followers than your great-grandchildren? Digitally dynamic older Australians can now nominate themselves for the title of the nation’s most tech-savvy senior.
Finalists will compete in a series of challenges and the winner will receive $10,000 and be encouraged to share their tips and tricks with the rest of the nation.
The competition was created after latest research revealed that older Australians are more tech-savvy than most think.
The study showed the pre-conceived idea that seniors are more comfortable with a crossword puzzle than they are with a smartphone is mythical and unfounded – in fact, many are “embracing [technology] with open arms”.
The study, carried out by McCrindle Research on behalf of Telstra, found increasing numbers of older Australians are embracing everything from smartphones, making video calls on Skype to social-networking sensation, Facebook.
The Retired & Wired report findings:
- An estimated one in eight seniors have a Facebook page
- The average Australian aged over 65 is online at least once a week
- 70% of seniors have a mobile phone and send at least one text message a day and,
- More than a third of older Australians use online banking.
Social researcher, Mark McCrindle, told the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday, the latest technology is no longer considered just a young persons’ domain.
“The majority of retired Aussies report they’re excited by new technologies and use them to improve their quality of life,” Mr McCrindle said.
“And just because they are advanced in years doesn’t mean they are slow. Many demonstrate a greater level of skill than people half their age,” he added.
To enter the ‘most tech-savvy senior’ competition, go to www.facebook.com/Telstra.
Family and friends can also put forward nominations if they believe they know who the most tech-savvy senior is.
