Tech Savvy Seniors program expands to keep up with demand
Date published: 22 September 2016
CityLibraries Townsville’s Tech Savvy Seniors Queensland program has become so popular that council is adding another weekly session to keep up with demand.
The program is aimed at Townsville seniors to improve their digital literacy and encourage them to use technology to connect with family and the broader community.
Seniors can sign up to learn how to use a tablet device, navigate social media and how to shop, bank and pay bills online.
The free program is an initiative of State Library of Queensland and is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Telstra that has seen 38 Queensland Local Governments deliver training through their local public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chair Cr Colleen Doyle said the response from local seniors had been very positive.
“Some of our tech savvy seniors have progressed from never using a computer or smartphone to now having their own email and Facebook accounts,” Cr Doyle said.
“We often hear that seniors receive smartphones or tablets from their family or children, but aren’t shown how to use the devices so this program has been so valuable in providing a place to answer their questions and offer that guidance.”
Cr Doyle said many seniors had embraced new technology, but some were still overwhelmed or intimidated by the thought of getting online.
“This program offers a chance to teach seniors these new skills in a supportive environment,” she said.
Tech Savvy Seniors currently runs on Thursdays and Fridays, with a new session to be held on Wednesdays starting October.
Sign up for a Tech Savvy Seniors Queensland courses at CityLibraries Townsville by visiting www.townsville.qld.gov.au, calling 4773 8811 or dropping into the Flinders St, Aitkenvale or Thuringowa Central libraries.
