Compared to its EU counterparts, Ireland has one of the lowest levels of digital literacy among those aged over 65. In a bid to tackle this shortfall and the digital divide between generations, Vodafone Ireland Foundation, in partnership with ALONE, has established 'Hi Digital', an educational step-by-step course designed to heighten the digital skills. We caught up with Liz, who did the course to discuss how she has benefited from it.
Liz Downes is a Community Activist who lives in Mitchelstown, County Cork. Liz is 74 years old and has been happily married to Pat for 52 years. She says that she used to be afraid of technology, ‘The first time I saw a computer was in 1998, I was scared to touch it in case it would blow up. The only thing I knew was where the switch was to turn it on and off.’
Liz is a Girl Guide leader and recently the Vodafone Ireland Foundation has teamed up with the Irish Girl Guides and ALONE to deliver ‘Hi Digital’, an educational course for older people who want to improve their digital online skills. It’s also aimed at people who are retired or living alone without access to tech where their savvy grandchildren help them navigate the internet.
Liz was invited to attend a one-day course in Dublin to become a Hi Digital Champion.
‘Before I did the ‘Hi Digital’ course I thought I was computer literate, but I came back with a better understanding of how technology could improve my life in so many ways.’
On the course Liz learned how to use online devices like smartphones, how to use email and set up her own voicemail. With greater understanding, came greater reassurance. ‘We were also shown how to stay safe online’ said Liz. ‘This was very important as older people worry about being scammed. We were told how to look out for, and delete spam.’
The course content also introduced Liz to the world of Apps. ‘They showed me how to get onto Facebook and Instagram and explained what an App is. There are Apps for everything you need to make your life a bit easier.’ Previously, Liz used to google everything but ‘Hi Digital’ taught her that downloading an App can also be a really useful way of finding the information you need.
‘I also found out how to do online shopping and book trips away. I now have a News App to keep me informed and one which tells me what’s on TV tonight.’
Liz spent a full day training, with a ‘buddy’ assigned to her to make sure that everything was clear and understandable. She found the day hugely inspiring and empowering, ‘I came home energised and motivated to share my skills with older people. It made me see technology in a different light to the way I had seen it before.’
Liz used to spend hours writing a programme for the Girl Guides, and then trying to correct it. Now Through her greater understanding of technology, she can edit, and delete and save much more time.
Technology has also opened up a world of entertainment for Liz. In particular, she loves YouTube to watch her favourite showbands from the Seventies. ‘There used to be two dancehalls in Mitchelstown, and I saw all the famous show bands including Dickie Rock, Big Tom and Maxi, Dick and Twink. I like to multi-task, so while I cut and paste, send texts, or do video calls, I can watch the showband videos with the sound off.’
Liz also feels empowered by the sense of connection she now feels. If she can’t get out to meet her friends, she catches up with them on Zoom.
‘I definitely feel more connected. Some older people say, "Oh I couldn’t do that, but fair play to you Liz". My answer to that is ‘If I can do it anyone can.’
‘Hi Digital and the Girl Guides are here to support older people on the ground through leaders like me. We are trying to get them connected so that their experience of technology will brighten their day and make them feel more connected’, says Liz.
‘Our new programme starts in September. We will invite older people in, show them the video and talk to them about their digital needs. I’m delighted that the Vodafone Ireland Foundation came up with this intergenerational project because I work with younger and older people and am always looking for ways how the two can connect.’
‘Older people have life experience, and the young know about technology. If you can marry the two it’s a wonderful combination.’’
Hi Digital is bridging the digital gap between generations through practical online education. It’s actively helping older people get a firm grasp of the digital world, empowering them to remain socially connected and positively contributing to their overall wellbeing and independence.
For more information visit hidigital.ie or call ALONE on 1800 20 30 30.
