Senior residents invited to 'Tea & Technology'

Senior citizens will have the opportunity to learn how to use technology at three free ‘Tea and Technology’ sessions. Orange City Council’s Home & Community Centre (HACC) centre is staging sessions to assist older residents stay connected with family and friends.

Trainer Rick Hollingsworth said participants will learn about the use and benefits of technology, including emails and apps specific to participants needs.

“The sessions are aimed to demystify technology to support seniors in the local community,” Mr Hollingsworth said.

“It’s important for seniors to be able to stay connected with family and friends, keep up to date with things in the local community and be able to research their interests. That’s what we aim to have participants learn during the sessions, and all over a free cuppa.”

Orange City Council’s Services Committee chair, Cr Ron Gander said the sessions are aimed at providing both social and business support to seniors.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for seniors to embrace technology and learn the benefits of it. These sessions will provide seniors with both confidence and the skills to use modern technology,” Cr Ron Gander said.

Classes in the series are aimed at answering all questions seniors have about technology, encouraging them to embrace smart phone and tablets. “No question is a bad question,” Mr Hollingsworth said.

Barbara Tos, who has lived in Orange for 30 years, bought a tablet six months ago with the hope of keeping in touch with family and friends in Slovenia.

“Everyone has one so I thought I should buy one, but I am yet to even turn it on,” Barbara Tos said.

“I want to learn what I can use my tablet for and how to keep in touch with my family,” Barbara Tos said.

INSIGHTS : Trainer Rick Hollingsworth is looking forward to talking about online technology with Orange residents like Barbara Tos at a series of Orange City Council seminars.

The HACC centre is encouraging senior citizens to participate in the free sessions, regardless of their technology ability. ‘Tea and Technology’ will begin Friday 29 January at the Orange City Council HAAC Centre from 1pm with bookings essential.

To find out more information or to secure a spot, contact the HAC Centre on 6393 8966.