Hi-Digital with the Patrickswell Active Retirement Association

18/10/2024

Do you have a passion for all things technology? Would you like to put those expertise skills to use? Check out our Hi-Digital programme! It is a programme designed to teach and upskill the over 65s on all things technology, set up by Vodafone while working in partnership with ALONE. ALONE is a national organisation whereby they provide support, services and advocacy to elderly people. It is to create no division between those who can use technology and those who cannot.

The Hi-Digital event began last Thursday in UL’s Access Campus. On a bright crisp morning, our crew arrived and were welcomed by 10 eager and excited ladies. We began by setting the ladies up to the Wi-Fi and soon after that a flood of questions came knocking on our door on various things from Whatsapp to E-Mails, messaging and downloading apps. The list goes on.

We ensured to get around to everyone and we helped them to feel more comfortable and confident by the end of the session even if it's just one thing they learn how to do. Eventually as the session went by, the ladies ended up teaching each other what they had just learned. The sense of community and friendship amongst the group was prevalent. They were optimistic and willing to learn, which made explaining and answering the different questions they asked very easy. One of the ladies, at the end of the session, told us “I am so happy leaving now with all of my to-do list completed.” Seeing all of the ladies happy and smiling when leaving was very satisfactory, knowing that what we teach these ladies today will stand to them in the future.

When speaking to the ladies about their upbringing without much technology, it is highly interesting to see how diversified these women are becoming with using their phone and tablets too. “Back in the day we used to only get three minutes talking on the phone before it cut out. We didn’t have a chance to talk about anything except a quick hello” is what one of the ladies told us during the class. It is powerful to be teaching these women things about technology they did not know existed before walking in the door that morning. You can become a part of the process too. By signing up today, you are already making a difference in bridging the technological gap that exists between young people and the elderly people. Now is your chance to become involved in this programme!