Help older people learn basic IT skills

Getting Started launched its Silver Surfer Awards in May and the search is on once again for Ireland’s top Silver Surfers. The Awards celebrate and showcase older peoples’ use of the internet and technology.

This year we are looking for enthusiastic people over the age of 50 who have an interesting story to share about how they use their computer and the internet and who will become a role model to inspire more older people to embrace technology. We are calling on people across Ireland to nominate a friend, neighbour or relative who uses technology for pleasure or as a way to enhance the quality of their life. 

The closing date for nominations is Sunday 5^th October. The link to the nomination form is  www.ageaction.ie/silversurfer

This is the sixth year of the awards and there are five award categories as follows:

New to IT Award
A person over the age of 50 who is new to technology and has overcome challenges to become an IT user

Hobbies on the Net Award
An older person who uses the Internet to pursue their passion or hobby or who uses IT for communication and social networking

IT Tutor(s) of the Year
An individual or group of any age who provides voluntary support to older learners

Google Silver Surfer Award
An older person who embraces the Internet or technology with a sense of fun and adventure

Golden IT Award
An individual over the age of 80 who uses technology to enhance their life

These stories are hugely important to assist us to encourage more older people to go online.