Staying connected in a digital world: how older adults are learning new tech skills

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Home
Healthy ageing
About healthy ageing
Find out what healthy ageing means and the changes you can make to stay independent for longer.
- Myths about ageing
  Rethink what you know about later life. Bust some common myths about ageing that could be holding you back.
- Inspiration
  Get inspired by real stories and videos from older people. See how others have taken healthy ageing into their own hands.
- Frequently asked questions
  Find answers to common questions about healthy ageing. Get clear on available tools and services.
Resources
Resources
Discover practical tips, exercises, and products to help you stay active and independent.
- Find healthy ageing articles
  Read articles backed by evidence to help you stay healthy and independent.
- Find exercise sheets
  Check out these printable exercises (with pictures) to help keep your mind and body strong.
- Find activities
  Connect with your community. Use this directory to find social activities near you.
- Find helpful tools
  Explore this directory of assistive products. They're selected by clinical experts to make life easier.
- Navigating life changes
  With ageing comes change. Get tailored resources to help you prepare for times of transition.
- I have a health condition or injury
- I'm downsizing or moving house
- I'm grieving
- I'm preparing for new grandchildren
- I'm retiring or retired
- I'd like general healthy ageing info
- More about life changes
- Everyday tips
  Take a look at practical ways to make everyday tasks easier around the house, or out and about.
- Explore tips
- Cultural resources
- First Nations resources
  Access resources made by, with, and for First Nations people.
- Italian resources
  Access resources made with and for Italian people.
- Resources in your language
  Find LiveUp resources in different languages.
Self-assessment quiz
Take our 5-minute quiz – get personalised suggestions for activities, products, and tips tailored to you.
Take the quiz
About
About LiveUp
Learn more about LiveUp. Discover our mission to help older people live well and stay independent.
- Friends of LiveUp
  Read about the peak bodies and organisations we work with to improve the lives of older people.
- Testimonials
  'I found LiveUp to be so uplifting and inspirational and I'm so glad I found it! I thoroughly recommend it to all my older friends.'
  See more testimonials
Contact

Not sure where to start? Call one of our friendly navigators who can help you.Call - 1800 951 971

Staying connected in a digital world: how older adults are learning new tech skills | LiveUp

Volunteer showing iphone to student at Switched on seniors group.

Watch the video to learn all about Switched On Seniors.

What is Switched On Seniors?

Switched On Seniors is a welcoming group where people over 60 can learn how to use smartphones and tablets in a fun and easy way.

Each session is run by volunteers who help participants learn how to:

Use apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime to video call loved ones
Shop and bank safely online
Stay safe from scams
Use email and social media

Each session costs just $3 and is held at local Rockingham venues.

Meet Sheena: founder and 2020 WA Senior of the Year

Sheena Edwards started Switched On Seniors after noticing that many older people felt left out because they didn’t know how to use technology.

People were feeling frustrated and alone. With Switched On Seniors, we see good changes right away.

— Sheena Edwards

Her work has made a big difference. In 2023, Switched On Seniors won a major award for being an outstanding volunteer group.

Sheena also won the WA Senior of the Year Award in 2020 for helping older people feel more confident with technology.

Volunteers making a difference

Volunteers are an important part of Switched On Seniors. They help older people to do things like:

Set up new phones and tablets
Learn how to use apps

Many of the volunteers are older people, too. This makes the learning environment easier and more friendly.

The group is always happy to welcome new volunteers who know how to use Apple or Android devices.

Real stories, real impact

People who join the program say it makes a big difference in their lives. They feel more confident, less lonely, and more connected.

Now I can video call my new grandkid and shop online without any trouble.

— Maire, older person and volunteer

Growing and learning with peers in the technology space just really helps to reduce feelings of isolation.

— Alicja, occupation therapist and volunteer

Be Connected: Free digital skills lessons online

Another great resource in Australia is the Be Connected program. It's a government initiative that offers free online courses to help older people learn digital skills. Topics include:

Online safety
Using smartphones and tablets
Social media
Internet banking

You can learn at your own pace and even join live presentations.

Visit Be Connected to explore hundreds of free lessons.

Why digital literacy matters

Learning how to use technology is important for healthy ageing. Digital skills help older adults to:

Stay in touch with family and friends
Access important services
Stay safe online
Feel more confident and independent

References

LiveUp. (2025). Interview Switched on Seniors. https://youtu.be/32SiLcsCiwU

Government of Western Australia. (2020, November). WA Seniors Awards winners show the way in 2020.

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.