It’s well known that our population is ageing and we are staring down the barrel of a services shortfall of crisis proportions.
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Elderly people often require extensive medical supervision and pharmaceutical support. They can face challenges with mobility outside the home. And, as the years advance, independent living can be dangerous.
These facts are compounded by the changing nature of families. Whereas once it was a natural progression for mum, dad or both to come into the home of children as they advanced in years, this is becoming less common.
Australians are living longer, but often face a relatively unsupported future, save that of aged care providers and medical practitioners.
For these reasons, the Computer Pals for Seniors Maitland initiative should be applauded.
The Mercury spoke with Carolyn Quinn, who was one of the over-55s making use of the program. Mrs Quinn, a native of Perth, wanted to learn to use Skype and email to stay in contact with her children in Perth.
Like Mrs Quinn, many older Australians are challenged by new technologies that could help them stay connected and supported, and potentially remain safely in their own homes for longer.
Programs such as Computer Pals for Seniors can open up the internet and the many options it holds.
The internet needn’t just be about the novelty of real-time video conversations with grandchildren. It is also a portal to all manner of services, ranging from home-delivered groceries and prescriptions to 24-hour physical and mental health advice.
If you are over 55 and would like to learn how to better drive your iPad, Android tablet, Smartphone or simply use the internet more wisely, you should look into Computer Pals.
There’s a whole world out there and you can stay part of it.
