Tech savvy seniors partnership

A new partnership between Telstra and the New South Wales government will see the roll out of a program which encourages more seniors to embrace technology.

Minister for Ageing, Andrew Constance, announced the new partnership to roll out the Tech Savvy Seniors training program. This will augment the already successful seniors’ computer programs running at a number of Lithgow locations, including Beehive, the Lithgow Library, and at Club Lithgow.

There has already been anecdotal evidence in Lithgow that seniors can and will embrace new technology.

“By partnering with Telstra we are able to extend the reach of the Tech Savvy Seniors program to older Australians and ensure no one gets left behind,” Mr Constance said.

“Developing the confidence and skills to use technology and participate in the digital community and economy is increasingly important for seniors,” he said.

The Tech Savvy Seniors program is a key initiative of the NSW Ageing Strategy and aims to help bridge the gap between those seniors who use technology and those who are yet to embrace it.

Telstra’s chief customer officer, Gordon Ballantyne, said Telstra is committed to ensuring all Australians enjoy the benefits of being connected and helping everyone in our community understand and benefit from technology goes to the heart of what Telstra stands for.

“New communication technology presents wonderful opportunities, such as staying in touch with family, friends and making new friends through social media,” Mr Ballantyne said.

“The convenience of smartphones and computers connected to wireless or broadband networks means access to online shopping, paying bills and banking, planning holidays and connection to the wider community has never been easier.

“We will also be driving large scale training with a particular focus on regional and rural areas,” he added.

The Tech Savvy Seniors program provides low cost or free training through community colleges to older people.

It will cover courses on computers, tablets and smartphones which promote social connections, easier access to information and improve wellbeing.

Libraries and community colleges throughout NSW will reportedly be better equipped to support older Australians with more face to face training, selfteaching videos and DVDs and other training content.

Tech Savvy senior, Pam Richards, 71, was a part of the pilot program and said she couldn’t imagine how she ever lived without her connected devices.

“My husband Bob and I did the program and now technology is a part of our everyday lives.

“We do our banking online, I look up recipes and enjoy doing the daily crossword digitally now so we don’t have to fight over the printed version,” Mrs Richards said.

Mr Richards, 73, said he was keen to do the training to get up to speed with social media.

“I am very involved with my local Rotary Club and as the world moves more and more online we want to stay connected and find new and younger members.

“Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter provide us with the perfect channel for keeping up to date and connecting with the Rotary network around Australia and the world,” he said.

Find out more about the Tech Savvy Seniors program and view the NSW Ageing Strategy.