ONE senior South Australian is debunking the myth that technology is only for younger people by making a contribution to the ACH Group’s new website.
At 94, Bernice Turbill, who owns her own computer and iPad, was asked for her input to the website redesign project.
“A lot of people who are my age think they are too old to use computers but they just need a bit of encouragement to get started,” she said.
Bernice was a member of a test group appointed to review the website. Her feedback was used to amend the website.
Her suggestions included making the text darker and she identified repetitive information.
“I enjoyed the workshop and having the opportunity to contribute to the website,” she said.
ACH Group wanted to involve people from a range of ages to “help shape the overall user experience”. Bernice uses her computer to keep in touch with family, order online books and search for information.
And it’s especially valuable because she has a vision impairment and can no longer drive or garden. “Without a computer I wouldn’t be able to read books any more, I would have to rely on audio books,” she said.
“I enlarge the fonts on e-books, which I order from the library. I play games like solitaire, I look things up to help me with the Saturday quiz and send emails to my family.”
Bernice believes many older people would benefit from information technology. “I think there are a lot of older people who don’t even use a mobile phone or a computer, but it’s not hard. Most people could do it. It really is within people’s reach.”