They’re using it in numerous ways - to pay bills, keep in touch with family and friends, find out what’s on in their local area and around the world, plan holidays, search recipes, join groups with common interests, share photos – and many other uses. 

But while technology and social media in particular has opened a whole new world for some people, for others it’s created a feeling of exclusion. Not everyone feels comfortable with technology.

For those of us who grew up in the era of letters and office memos created on typewriters, phone calls and meetings in person, this new world of transacting online can sometimes seem daunting.  Do you ever feel like you’re the only one who isn’t sure how to pay a bill online or doesn’t understand what a twitter handle is? Or perhaps you’ve had that feeling of missing out when your friends are chatting about a clever new app or a great podcast but you’re not sure how to see it.

How to learn

There are numerous ways to discover this new online world. You may not be interested in embracing social media but it does help to have some understanding so you don’t feel left behind and you may just discover a whole new world.   

Locally: many community organisations such as local libraries, Councils of Adult Education, WEA and the University of the Third Age offer digital training, often free or at a low cost. Contact your local council to see what’s on offer.

Be Connected: A Government program to empower all Australians to thrive in a digital world. It covers a broad range of areas from how to use Google Earth, research your family history online and access games to information on courses in your local area around the country.  

Telstra guides: Telstra has a range of online videos covering topics ranging from how to attach photos to emails and how to organise your emails to how to block unwanted emails and how to manage an electronic calendar. Plus, its Tech Savvy Seniors program runs in conjunction with many libraries around New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. 

Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association: offers training for beginners and the more tech savvy who want to improve and share their expertise. It’s website lists what’s on including local courses around the country. 

Ask a friend or family member: many people love to share their expertise. Often it’s as simple as asking a tech savvy friend or family member how to do something online.