SHOALHAVEN City Library is helping put senior citizens in touch with the world through a new free internet workshop.
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The workshops, offered each month, are tailored to suit the needs of participants.
Library services and events manager Robin Sharpe said the library was becoming the go-to place for older people who wanted to learn more about the internet and technology in general.
“The Shoalhaven has a large population of retired people and a lot don’t have an internet connection at home or don’t have access to broadband.
“Often they buy products or are given products but don’t have the support they need to learn how to use these things.
“That’s where we can help. As well as the free internet workshops, we have Tech Tuesdays designed to help people with devices such as e-readers and tablets.
“On Tech Tuesday people with devices can get basic troubleshooting advice on the spot.”
Daphne Carlson-Lucas from Bomaderry took part in the libraries’ new free internet workshop.
“I do a lot of craft but before I die I wanted to do something intelligent,” she said.
“I’ve got grandchildren who are seven and they are whizzes on the computer.
“I also want to be able to send an email to my brother,” she said.
Marie King from Numbaa, who took part in a recent workshop, said it was her first time surfing the internet.
“I decided to get involved after seeing web addresses in advertising and I wanted to find out about it,” she said.
The internet workshops are also running at Sanctuary Point Library. For more information phone Robin Sharpe on 4429 3720.
Telstra and the NSW government’s Tech Savvy Seniors program, which was highlighted during the recent Seniors Week, continues its mission to engage older Australians with technology.
Shoalhaven Libraries has ordered educational DVDs designed to help seniors understand how to use technology to stay connected with friends and family.
The Tech Savvy Seniors program provides training on how to navigate the internet using the iPad, banking and shopping online and staying safe online.
The program’s educational DVDs will also be available at all key organisations, such as the Council on the Ageing, to extend the reach to as many seniors across the state as possible.
For seniors who are already online, easy-to-follow training videos are available free through
the NSW government’s website www.ageing.nsw.gov.au and the Telstra website www.telstra.com/seniors.