Help older people learn basic IT skills

HSE and Age Action launch older-age friendly guide to COVID Tracker App

On Tuesday, 8th December 2020, the Health Service Executive and Age Action Ireland launched an older-age friendly guide – How to Use the COVID Tracker App.

The How to Use the COVID Tracker App has been designed by Age Action specifically for older people who need some support with online activities so they can use the App which helps to slow the spread of COVID-19. Understanding that a lot of older people are starting their online journey, the HSE worked with Age Action to add the How to Use the COVID Tracker App to the Getting Started KIT which helps older people get online so they can stay connected, informed and access resources.

The COVID Tracker App is a free app for mobile phones. The How to Guide helps someone to put the app on their mobile phone and use it. The How to Guide is free via post by calling Age Action on 01 873 0372 and leaving their name and address. The How to Guide can be downloaded from ageaction.ie.
Age Action will post the How to Use the COVID Tracker App along with step-by-step information on;
1.How to set up an email;
2.How to download an application;
3.How to download and use the COVID Tracker App;
4.How to use the internet.

If you would know anyone who would like a little more support to use the app or about using the internet Age Action can help them by matching with a volunteer tutor for up to five hours of remote tutoring.
Additional information on using the internet and technology can be found on https://www.ageaction.ie/how-we-can-help/getting-started-kit .

Links:

• Getting Started Keep In Touch

Age Actions Getting Started Keep In Touch Programme is seeking remote volunteers:

As a result of the launch of our GS KIT programme as a response to older people becoming even more isolated during Covid 19 restrictions, we have to date trained over 750 older people throughout Ireland with the assistance of hundreds of volunteer tutors, mostly corporate volunteers. We have had such amazing support from many different companies, with employees taking an hour out of their day, once a week for five weeks, to give the gift of connectivity to people who really need it, espeicially at this time.

If you think that you could help out, please contact us:

Tasks:

Age Action’s Getting Started KIT aims to reduce isolation by helping older people to connect online with family and friends, by up-skilling in the use of their smart device, video communication platforms, internet and general IT skills.

Older people will be connected on a one-to-one basis with a Volunteer Tutor for up to five one-hour remote tutorials.

Tutorials will take place over the phone or by online video link, depending on the students’ level of IT skills and access to technology / connectivity.

Commitment of Time:
Volunteer Tutors are asked to give a minimum commitment is one hour per week.

Volunteer Tutors will:
• Teach learners to use Smartphone / Tablet
• Help students learn how to navigate video calling apps like WhatsApp and Facetime
• Help students learn how to upload apps in their phone
• Teach learners how to use programmes such as Skype and Zoom
• Teach learners how to navigate on internet

Contact us at volunteering@ageaction.ie

Thank you

Older people will be connected on a one-to-one basis with a Volunteer Tutor for up to five one-hour remote tutorials.

Tutorials will take place over the phone or by online video link, depending on the students’ level of IT skills and access to technology / connectivity.

Commitment of Time:
Volunteer Tutors are asked to give a minimum commitment is one hour per week.

Volunteer Tutors will:
• Teach learners to use Smartphone / Tablet
• Help students learn how to navigate video calling apps like WhatsApp and Facetime
• Help students learn how to upload apps in their phone
• Teach learners how to use programmes such as Skype and Zoom
• Teach learners how to navigate on internets

Links:

• Getting Started Keep In Touch Programme