A SOUTH-EAST Queensland village is spearheading a digital revolution in retirement living with the launch of a cloud-based communications hub.
Elements Retirement Living, at Springwood just south of Brisbane, is providing every household with an iPad to connect residents with village administration and their families and friends.
The initiative has been launched during Queensland Seniors Week, which runs until August 27.
Managing Director Chiou See Anderson said the "tech-first" made social, financial and environmental sense.
"The iPads are pre-programmed with all the information and services you need for village life," Ms Anderson said.
"For example, when you request a home repair, you can record a video to show village management exactly what the problem is.
Residents can book communal areas in real time, read the latest village newsletters, download appliance manuals, and organise social activities.
"It cuts down on paper, speeds up communication and is a huge boost to village security. The iPads patch into our security cameras, so you can see visitors at the entry before remotely opening the gates."
IT expert Daniel Herr, from Tech Help Direct, described the roll-out as visionary.
"We work with over 2000 education, government, businesses and enterprises nationally and are unaware of any other retirement villages designing and delivering solutions-based applications at this level," Mr Herr said.
"Elements staff and residents deserve accolades for wholeheartedly embracing connectivity."
The new communications hub is part of Elements' innovation strategy, which began in 2010 with installation of a private fibre optic network providing superfast internet speeds.
"We are at the forefront of using technology to encourage and improve social engagement amongst retirees," Ms Anderson said.
"It's about future-proofing the village and enabling our residents to maintain their ties and relationships with the people they love and care about. Being connected keeps you healthier and happier for longer."
Ms Anderson said it's a myth that older people don't like technology.
"Surveys show 80 per cent of seniors are regularly online Facebooking, paying bills, doing business and booking holidays," she said. "Our residents feel immensely proud to be keeping up with their tech-savvy grandchildren."
Elements resident Robyn Vanholland runs an online business selling her fibre art. "I am totally into using technology; it helps keep me stimulated and connected," Ms Vanholland said.