LITTLE did participants realise just how rapidly technology would change when they lined up for the very first Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) conference in 1998.
Fast forward 20 years and the association is preparing for its anniversary conference – with an invitation for all computer club colleagues to attend.
President Nan Bosler says the association’s aims haven’t changed: it works to identify and respond to the needs of seniors to empower and enhance their use of technology.
“The conference will provide participants with the opportunity to hear speakers who are experts in various fields of technology, and include concurrent strands planned to cater for the different levels of computer interest, the many different mobile devices that we often prefer to use and other topics of interest,” she said.
“Whether our speakers are technology experts from rival companies, research scientists or prominent media presenters, they all come with the desire to share the latest developments and pass on their knowledge with fun and an understanding of our interests.
“The conference is designed to satisfy both the technically skilled and the beginner who still wonders what this technology is all about.”
Ms Bosler said the conference was also suitable for those who work with seniors, or for people who would like to be able to advise older family members on what technology is available to help them in their lives, and how to use it.
One topic sure to be a crowdpleaser is 64 Shades of Grey Matter: Research on Video games and Ageing Well.
“At your request we asked Professor Jeffrey Brand from Bond University to come back and he will tell us how video games have been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent years – and a surprise finding is that video games are good for older adults,” Ms Bosler said.
“He is sure we will have fun looking at the research in this 20-minute game, 64 Shades of Grey Matter!”
20th Australian Technology Conference for Seniors, Rydges World Square Hotel, Pitt Street, Sydney, October 30-31. Registration: ASCCA members $90 (one day) $140 (two days); Seniors Card holders $100/$160; others $190/$320. More information (02) 9286-3871 or www.ascca.org.au
