SHIRLEY Hamilton wakes up at 5am each day and she sits down with her cup of coffee and opens up her smart tablet to read the news.
“I do like the news first thing in the morning,” she said.
Mrs Hamilton, a Corinda resident, said she loved how easily accessible it was.
But it wasn’t just news from around the world she got on her tablet, it was news and photos about what her four daughters, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren were doing in their lives.
Mrs Hamilton talks to them and hears about their life events using a messenger app on her tablet.
“It’s good because it’s an up-to-date thing,” she said.
“And we reply, and the whole family replies funny remarks.
“It is lovely being able to have up-to-date photos.”
And she said she had “a million photos” of her family.
Mrs Hamilton is a Centacare Jamboree Heights Learning and Lifestyle Hub client and recently attended their technology workshop during Queensland Seniors Week.
She joined more than 20 others for a day learning about online games, competitions and activities aimed towards greater digital literacy.
Centacare service delivery manager Cheree Pattison said many older people found real benefits being online, including increased access to information, services, social connections and support networks.
“Seniors Week is all about providing opportunities for older people to share and learn new experiences, which aligns with our philosophy at Centacare,” Ms Pattison said.
“Age doesn’t limit a person’s ability to live a full and purposeful life.
“Our clients want to live out their later years in their own homes and communities, doing what they love.
“It’s our job to ensure they have plenty of opportunities to build their capacity and confidence in the areas that matter to them most.”
For Mrs Hamilton, one of her favourite parts of her tablet was the digital notepad.
She said her grandson was amused she used notes but she said it was great being able to keep notes in a single place.
“Everything from Centacare to My Aged Care, if something has happened I make a note in here,” she said.
“So I’ve got records and it’s all together.”
Another Corinda resident Mary Dann also attended the Centacare technology workshop – and she said she was always willing to give things a go.
Mrs Dann discovered a love of painting at the age of 60, and volunteers with Centacare’s music group every second Monday.
“You don’t know what you don’t know,” she said. “That’s why I’m always willing to give things a go.
“I never want to stop learning.”
