Itea and biscuits week Monday, September 20, 2010 - 16:19

Age UK's annual itea and biscuits week is an opportunity for older people to get a taste for what digital technologies - like computers, internet, mobile phones and digital cameras - can offer them and how they can learn more in their area.

The way that digital technologies can transform the lives of older people for the better, can be seen through the stories of countless Adult Learners' Week award winners, including:

Jessie Beattie, aged 94, who retired from a career as a health visitor 30 years ago, continued learning starting with an evening class in French and continuing with courses in New Testament Greek, Hebrew, Theology and Fairisle and Shetland knitting.

However, it was Jessie's decision to become computer literate in her late 80s that changed her life. Jessie bought a laptop and taught herself how to use Word, send emails and talk on Skype and Windows Messenger so she could keep in touch with friends and family. She also learned how to use the computer for digital photography and excel spreadsheets for her Christmas card list.

Mobility problems mean Jessie can no longer attend classes so she highly values the opportunities offered by digital technology. She said:

"[Learning] has made a huge difference to my life as it keeps me busy, interested in the world around me and able to communicate with friends and family around the globe. Information technology in particular has prevented me from feeling lonely and isolated as so many other old people find."

To celebrate itea and biscuits week in house, NIACE helped its cleaning staff to get online using the free Online basics course, developed by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills in partnership with UK Online. NIACE volunteers guided the cleaners through the course training in how to use a keyboard and mouse, how to use email and access the internet and how to stay safe online.

NIACE - together with Digital Unite - is also delivering Get Digital, which has already distributed over £400,000 to 104 sheltered schemes across the country, in order to get older residents online.