SeniorNet was established in 1999 to teach people over the age of 50 how to use and make the most of their computer, and they currently have around 160 members according to Chairman Ken Clatworthy.
“Even people who used computers in the latter part of their working life now want to do more with digital photos or arts and crafts,” says Mr Clatworthy.
The course is run on a voluntary basis, with costs kept as low as possible. The latest computers come with a Vista operating system while the other computers run off Windows XP. These are largely paid for by the NZ Lottery Grants Board and the Redwood Trust.
Most people initially think they’re going to break the computer somehow and are pretty cautious, but after while they’re uploading and storing photos, doing genealogy searches, selling and buying on Trade Me, and emailing, says Mr Clatworthy.
“It doesn’t take them long to become competent – and some get really quite passionate about it.”
