Senior Citizens did not grow up in the technological age and as the digital world consumes our everyday, many older citizens are struggling to keep up.  

The Nyngan Library has taken steps to bridge this gap by providing fortnightly “Tech Savvy” sessions for local community members with the first one for the year taking place last week. 

  With more and more services needing to be completed online, older people are struggling to perform these tasks and so with the help of the local Library, staff are hoping to be able to close the gap by assisting people to learn the necessary steps required to complete these tasks.  

With many older people not owning a laptop or iPad, and some not even owning a mobile phone or having an email address, the whole process can and is totally overwhelming and if they have no family support it can leave the elderly feeling very lost and isolated. 

Add to that the threat of scammers and the elderly are at risk of being taken advantage of as they lack the skills needed. 

The irony is that there are online courses available to assist the elderly but if they don’t have the right technology at their fingertips, they cannot access it.   

“We are so pleased to have received funding from the State Government to run the Tech Savvy Seniors Program,” said Debb Wood Director of People and Community Services at Bogan Shire Council. 

“This helps our senior community members build the skills and confidence to use computer, tablets and smartphones. 

“Our Library staff enjoy working with the seniors during these fortnightly sessions and tell me that they all had a lot of laughs together this week. We are very pleased to be able to offer the program to help our seniors particularly making them feel more included and connected in the digital space.” 

PHOTO: Grace Chamberlain of Nyngan enjoying the Digital Tech class 

The Australian Government has an online resource called ‘Be Connected’ an Australian government initiative which is committed to building the confidence, digital skills and online safety of older Australians. Whether it’s a new skill or a dive into a new topic, seniors can access free learning resources online or seek out a community organisation running free community courses across Australia.  

One of the best resources for tech help is grandchildren as the kids of today are practically tech experts, not to mention the bond of sharing that knowledge with their grandparents. 

‘Be Connect’ also has a free online safety brochure for grandparents and carers specifically designed to connect grandparents with grandkids through the technology they use.  

It includes advice on a range of issues such as online footprints, cyber bullying, the pressures of social media and guidance on such things as how to set up devices securely, sharing time online with grandchildren, teaching grandchildren when to ask for help, dealing with games and apps and where to go for additional help and support. 

Nyngan Library is hoping the program will assist community members on their technological journey and look forward to sharing their skills with those who attend.