Help older people learn basic IT skills

Age Action’s Getting Started programme helps older people build the digital skills they need to stay connected, independent, and engaged in today’s world.

Many older people face barriers when it comes to using technology — from lacking confidence to not having someone to ask when they get stuck. Getting Started addresses this by offering free, one-to-one training, delivered by volunteers, either in person or remotely. Sessions are tailored to the learner’s needs, whether that means sending emails, using WhatsApp, shopping online, or accessing essential services.

In 2024 alone, over 4,000 older learners across Ireland took part in the programme. Feedback from participants shows how transformative it can be: people report feeling more connected to family and friends, more able to manage day-to-day tasks, and less isolated. For many, learning digital skills is about much more than using a phone or computer — it’s about regaining confidence and independence.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Age Action can continue expanding this vital service, training volunteers, and reaching people who might otherwise be excluded from the digital world. Every donation helps ensure that older people have the opportunity to learn at their own pace and feel part of their communities in a rapidly changing society.