The NSW Government’s Tech Savvy Seniors program is celebrating a decade of helping seniors dive into the digital world with confidence.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said more than 119,000 seniors throughout NSW have mastered their computer skills through the program since its inception in 2012.
“By building knowledge, skills and confidence through this program, our seniors have gone on to thrive in our digital world – from managing their banking online to watching videos of their grandchildren on social media,” Ms Cooke said.
“The Tech Savvy Seniors program has been fantastic at unlocking the benefits that come with being online for our older community members.”
Helen McLoughlin Coolamon Shire Council’s Library Supervisor said Coolamon Shire Library has participated in the ‘Tech Savvy Seniors’ program for around six years which has seen fantastic participation.
“We run the program for nine weeks with a limit of six participants. The course covers an introduction to emails and the internet, attaching photos to emails, introductions to online shopping, tablets and phones and cyber safety,” Ms McLoughlin said.
The Tech Savvy Seniors program is a partnership between the NSW Government and Telstra, providing free or low-cost technology training to seniors through public libraries and community colleges.
The program caters to a variety of different languages and offers a range of lessons in mobile phone use, internet use, email, tablets, and details on how to be safe online.
“I encourage seniors to attend these worthwhile sessions—it is also fun and an opportunity to get together with others in your community.”
The program continues to benefit seniors by increasing independence, increasing their use of online services, enhancing their social connectedness, providing greater ability to pursue hobbies and interests, and increasing self-esteem and confidence.
Seniors wishing to participate can visit https://www.telstra.com.au/tech-savvy-seniors to find out more.
