|
|
|
|
Computer Clubs for Seniors are a popular and expanding activity both in Australia and overseas. Commencing in the early 1990s, Computerpals for Seniors began as an outgrowth of Computerpals Around the World, which has been set up to encourage high school students to become interested in international communications. Seniors however, wanted to master the use of computers before they ventured into communications. As a result, some of the first of these clubs began teaching the basics of Windows and Works and other software programmes which met the interest of their members.
Seniors Computer
Clubs have developed considerably since that first concept evolved from
Computerpals Around the World.
All clubs have played an important role in the overall growth of computer
technology and the older person. For instance, Northern Beaches Computer Pals
for Seniors had two development plans. The first was a guide for starting a new
club and the second was an outreach programme to be used to help clubs
establish sub groups within Retirement Villages. Both were written by the
club's president, Nan Bosler and she has greatly expanded and developed these
two guides into the ASCCA Development Kits. Both of these kits have been widely
and successfully used in Australia and overseas. It had been recognised that
there were barriers stopping many older people living in retirement villages
from participating in activities outside their villages. These barriers
included lack of mobility or lack of transport. The first of these groups was
established in the R.S.L. Veterans Retirement Villages at Collaroy Plateau and
the second in the Willandra Village at Beacon Hill. Members of these groups
were members of the parent club, Northern Beaches, and had full use of any of
the club's facilities should they want to access them but they also had access
to their own meeting place in the Village and fellow members who acted as
tutors, (when necessary tuition was given in the members own unit and on their
own computer!)
A third outreach group had been established by the Manly club. This club dedicated Thursday afternoons to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) often have their hands affected with this insidious disease to such an extent that they find it impossible to write. The advent of the computer has been a godsend as they can now write just by pressing keys and correct mistakes by simply pressing other keys. One of the problems experienced by many PwMS was that they had no experience with computers. Those of middle age or later were, in fact, a little frightened by this new fangled technology. MS Society needed to have an opportunity for them to try out a computer, in a wheelchair accessible location to see if they could benefit from its capabilities. The use of Manly Clubs facilities was very successful and two PwMS act as trainers for the 3 or 4 PwMS who came along on every occasion.
Seniors Computer Clubs (Endeavour, Forest, Greenwich/Lane Cove, Northern Beaches) had a stand at the Seniors' Card Computer and Technology Show which was held in Sydney in November 1997. At that show, 450 people added their names to the growing list of those who wanted to know how to start, or join, a club near their homes. As a result several more clubs were established at Castle Hill, (The Hills); St. George (Hurstville); and Central Coast (Central Coast).
|
|
|
|
