Over-60s share how technology has changed their lives
It’s no secret that we are turning to technology more and more to not just manage our lives but to keep in touch with loved ones – and the world. So how do you, the generation that didn’t grow up with technology, find using it?
Over60 recently partnered with ReadyTechGo, a technology service for seniors, to provide you with free tech workshops to improve your skills and gain confidence in tech.
ReadyTechGo director and trainer, Lisa Du, is passionate about helping seniors discover all that tech can do for them.
“When they ask their kids or grandkids to teach them they just go too quickly and they feel they can’t do it. But that’s not true,” she says. “When they see what they can achieve, they get really excited about the world of technology.”
That was certainly the case at the workshops, held in Melbourne over April. With classes on iPads and iPhones, as well as tips and tricks for using Google, there was a buzz of excitement in the room when attendees mastered nifty tech tricks they didn’t think they could achieve.
Just take workshop attendee Sally Nilson, 68, who after taking the workshop on Google is excited to explore her laptop on her own.
“I’m not using to this modern technology to the full capacity and really I think you’ve just got to go for it. You can’t say that I’m too scared I don’t want to do it, I’m ok, because we should get into it and get involved,” she tells Over60.
Although older Australians are getting online and using social media at an increasing rate, they continue to face barriers with new technology. However, with programs like this that offer a guiding hand, these now tech-savvy seniors are armed with the skills and importantly, a new-found confidence, to explore the online world on their own and see what else tech can do for them.
Watch the video above to find out more about how technology is changing the lives of over-60s.