Keeping older Victorians ‘connected’ to technology
A new program will help older Victorians learn more about computers, smartphones and tablet technology. The Victorian Coalition government has partnered with Telstra through the Seniors Card Age Friendly Partners Program to roll out a free training program that encourages more seniors to embrace technology.
The new Tech Savvy Seniors program will give more seniors the skills and confidence they need to use the web for socialising, conducting business or accessing important services.
Visiting Ballarat Library last week, Victorian Minister for Ageing, David Davis, officially launched the Victorian Tech Savvy Seniors training program to help seniors learn more about computers, smartphones and tablet technology.
“We are proud to be funding the Tech Savvy Seniors initiative with $200,000 to deliver face to face technology training to more than 6,000 seniors in more than 40 rural and regional libraries across Victoria,” Minister Davis says.
New research from the Seniors Card Program shows 64% of Victorian seniors card holders use the internet each day.
“Through our partnership with Telstra, public libraries will be better equipped to support older Victorians with face to face training, self teaching videos and DVDs,” Minister Davis says.
“We know seniors are keen to learn about new technology, and Tech Savvy Seniors will give more seniors the skills and confidence they need to use the web for socialising, conducting business or accessing important services to help bridge the gap between those seniors who use technology and those who are yet to embrace it,” he adds.
Andrew Coull, Telstra country wide executive director, says Telstra is committed to helping all Australians enjoy the benefits of being ‘connected’.
“New communication technology gives people the opportunity to be more connected than ever, whether it be staying in touch with family and friends on social media or connecting with people and services in your local community,” Mr Coull says.
“The convenience of smartphones and computers also means doing things like reading the news, shopping, paying bills, banking and planning holidays, has never been easier.”
The program will also make available self teach Tech Savvy Seniors DVDs to libraries throughout Victoria to help reach those who are not yet online.
These DVDs will also be distributed to community learning organisations such as the Universities of the Third Age and Neighbourhood Houses, to extend the reach to as many seniors across the state as possible.
Easy to follow training videos are now available for viewing through the Victorian government’s Seniors Online website and the Telstra website.
These websites will soon provide information on the free Tech Savvy Seniors training sessions which are coming soon to public libraries in regional and rural Victoria.
Find out more about the Tech Savvy Seniors program.
