Help older people learn basic IT skills

Getting Started

After being approached by Meath Partnership to set up Getting Started classes we have just come to the end of the first 5 week set of classes to be held in Kells, Co. Meath. The class, though starting small with just two learners, great oaks from little acorns grow, accentuates our value of professionalism, to establish opportunities for progression and development.

The Difference GS Volunteers Make to the Lives of Our Learners

Last week, our Dublin-based Development Officer, Marie Keegan had the privilege of congratulating our latest graduates on their newly acquired digital skills in Mounttown Community Facility. While not all learners could make it on the day, those who were there, were utterly exuberant as they enthusiastically told her of their achievements.

The outcomes included booking a flight to Verona to see the Opera, while another learner bounded into the classroom, delighted that her volunteer had shown her how to play her music in the car and the quiet learner who was able to use WhatsApp and video call her son. This is an example of our value of diversity, with different passions of our older learners being met and encouraged.

Having the spotlight on such great outcomes, makes it easy to overlook the dedication, commitment, and the willingness of the volunteers involved. They have engaged fully with their learners’ needs which has led to such positive outcomes. The impact of these outcomes has meant that these learners are now empowered to be participate digitally in society – a value Age Action holds dear.

Digital Experiences for Older Men Launched

Our values of Participation, Dignity and Social Justice are all demonstrated in our recent publication – A Qualitative Study of Older Men’s Experiences with Digital Technology in Rural Ireland. Led by Yoey and supported by a research oversight group which included colleagues from Programmes and Advocacy and Communications, the report documents the lived experience of older men in rural areas who are digitally excluded. The report was officially launched via a virtual roundtable discussion on 27 July and contains some interesting insights of the men who participated in the focus groups. Their insights and the lessons learned from other published research will help us to develop a digital literacy programme to better meet their needs as well as supporting the Advocacy and Communications team’s core message of digital first should not mean digital only.

 
Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to support this valuable programme in promoting inclusion for older people in Ireland. If you know anyone who could benefit from the programme, please give us a call at 01 475 6989 or email info@ageaction.ie.