Digital Literacy Training for Seniors

Older people are consistently among the most digitally excluded group and while the use of technology among older people is growing, this is still falling with age.
For older people to benefit from the digital world, they need more than basic computer skills. They need to know how to use different technologies/devices, connect to the internet in different ways, and carry out online activity and services safely with trust and confidence.
Within a day of purchasing a new IPad for a group member they flicked it open, scrolling through the user interface, shook his head, and said “this is too hard.”
On a different occasion, a member who has mastered the basics of Facebook and Youtube, asked me if I, “could help send an email [she] didn’t know how.”
This isn’t an isolated incident in within Communicare it was reported that over 60% percent of people over 65 are not using the internet. Of the 60% percent, 48 percent said that it was too difficult to learn, and the rest said that the costs associated with having a computer are too high.
Operate a computer or skim the internet for a older person, and they’ll thank you, but teach a senior citizen them how to do it themselves, and you provide an avenue of knowledge, and a sense of “freedom” and connectivity that only the internet (and technology in general) can provide. During the Pandemic it became very apparent that members of Communicare were isolated due to having no access to the internet, or not knowing how to use a device.
Communicare has a focus on ensuring members are digitally savvy, aware of scams and are confident in using devices.
We announced pilot programs in five centres that provided free technology tutorials to support seniors interested in becoming more techie. Communicare partners with communities to research better ways to ensure our members have knowledge.
With the first of our funding coming from the Local Board, we are looking for sponsors to support this initiative and support our Older People become connected digitally.
If you would like to Support Communicare, please contact the Manager
If you would like to learn more about our digital sessions, please call the office on 09 631 5968 or email the office