ACCORDING to the 2016 Australian Digital Inclusion Index, people aged 65 and over remain the least likely to be using online communication, banking, shopping and information sharing.
Ask Queensland’s newly-appointed digital champion Steve Dixon about seniors’ exclusion and he’ll say it’s not as black and white as the statistics suggest.
The 70-year-old retired Telstra worker is a volunteer tutor for Brisbane Seniors OnLine, a Tech Savvy Seniors program mentor and answers online questions, particularly about international roaming, for overseas holidaymakers.
“It’s the old story of statistically putting everyone aged 65 and over together,” he told The Senior.
“We’re not all technosaurs.
“Yes, those who are in their later 80s and 90s may be less likely to engage in digital technologies. Those who are recently retired – indeed, those who were in the workforce at the end of 1999 when we were told the world would come to an end as the clock ticked over to 2000 because of a computer bug – are, by and large, using technologies they need.
“More often the inhibitor is not cost but confidence.”
Brisbane Seniors OnLine’s first-time users are, on average, 74 years old and wanting to get more from their digital tablets or smartphones.
While the father of two and grandfather of six recognises his working life contributed to him having an upper hand – he worked on the installation of one of the first digital computers in Queensland in 1970 and was involved in rollouts of digital technologies from satellite networks to loyalty cards in his 40-year career – Steve also appreciates digital technologies can seem overwhelming.
“Once seniors join the online world, digital technology often becomes an integral part of their daily lives.
“The key to getting started is to be open to what will make a difference to your day and ignore the rest.
“I’m not sure there are too many seniors wanting to learn how to access (dating site) Tinder but being able to connect with family and friends, shop and bank, and keep up with the news – they are all positive uses.”
- Not sure how to use the digital technology you received for Christmas? Find out from Brisbane Seniors OnLine how its volunteer tutoring and mentoring can unlock its uses: phone 3393-2225, www.bsol.asn.au
And he makes calls too
For digital champion Steve Dixon, the most used functions for his mobile phone are:
- Clock
- Diary
- News updates
- Camera
- Home security surveillance
- Spirit level for handyman jobs.
He does also use his phone for actual conversations!
Govt’s $2m investment
The state government has invested $2 million to help Brisbane-based home care company Five Good Friends develop an IT application that supports seniors staying in their homes longer.
The digital ‘help’ app, accessed by the company’s clients, will communicate with family members, friends and community service professionals, co-ordinating who is helping with what, when.
