iPads a hit with older people

Angela Shelton's mum lives at Ridgeview in Albion Park, and she first brought her iPad to the Illawarra Home to show some photos and videos of her granddaughter dancing.

“I also showed her a game that Lili loved to play and the music grabbed the attention of other residents, so a few of them had a play. I then downloaded some more games and we would play together,” Ms Shelton says.

At one of the Resident Meetings it was mentioned the computer ‘person’ was no longer able to come and so Ms Shelton volunteered, as she previously had experience in teaching computers to seniors.

She now spends time upstairs in the Internet Café and in other parts of the Home helping residents use iPads.

“I’ve had such fun as I am learning a lot as well. Thursday morning is about interacting with the residents, laughing over snakes and ladders or tic tac toe, playing pairs and other activities which enhance and encourage thought processes or are just fun,” Ms Shelton says.

“Wednesday afternoon was firstly about learning how to turn the computer on and how it all works, how to move around and open up programs. Now it’s about emailing family and friends, receiving and sending photos through email, Facetime conversation with family, conquering the golf course or winning at solitaire.”

The residents love watching hilarious YouTube clips, and using Google Maps to re-visit places from the past.

Some residents have now purchased iPads or tablets of their own, and Angela helps them learn how to use them and finds activities and games they enjoy, as well as checking and replying to emails.

“While we laugh together, I learn about their family and friends, surprising and exciting stories about the residents’ adventures, activities, and history – so it’s a win/win activity in my opinion,” she says.