Teens to Share Tech-Tips with Seniors

NPDC’s Youth Subcommittee and SeniorNet Taranaki are teaming up to help older people learn how to use the latest social networking tools.

Two members of the Youth Subcommittee will be spending time with some of Seniornet’s clients on Thursday (8 April), teaching them the value, benefits and pitfalls of using Facebook and Twitter, and the tricks of texting.

SeniorNet President Jackie Dockar says their clients are curious about how to use social networking sites such as Facebook, and many are not confident about using their cellphones.

“Our people weren’t born with computers in the house. For the youngsters technology is part of their way of life, while it’s something we’ve had to adjust to,” says Mrs Dockar.

“The best people to teach us are the young people who use it.”

Youth Subcommittee Chair Jamie Fenton says the workshop is a good way to encourage greater networking between young people and older people.

“Better communications through technology will enable older people to share their knowledge with the wider community, and younger people will be able to share in that knowledge as they move into the wider world,” she says.

Community Development Manager Mary-Anne Priest says online social networking sites like Facebook are a great way for older members of our community to keep in contact with family and friends both locally and overseas.

“It can be easy to become isolated as you get older and learning to use new technology can be intimidating,” says Ms Priest. “This workshop is about breaking down the barriers to reduce feelings of isolation and enhancing quality of life.”

People aged over 55 are welcome to attend this Thursday’s free workshop at 1.30pm in the SeniorNet rooms (above the Senior Citizens Rooms on Liardet Street).

SeniorNet is an organisation committed to getting people over 55 years old using new communication and technology tools – from word-processing through to surfing the net.