Surf’s up: Anne Leach shows Margaret Kennedy the ropes of using the internet. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 52502
Andrew Mathieson
GEELONG’S elderly are putting aside their knitting needles and woodturning in favour of surfing the net.
A Broadband for Seniors program has encouraged dozens of grey-haired novices to click on mouses rather than setting traps for the pests of the same name.
One Care Geelong began classes this week in the latest expansion of the initiative teaching over 55s the basics of the internet.
Program coordinator Anne Leach said the program had spread to several service clubs since Grovedale Baptist Church started the classes last year.
Most participants had found “a whole new world” online.
“One woman well into her 60s went on the internet for the first time, typed in her grandfather’s name and up came a photo of him,” Ms Leach said.
“He was a part of the Geelong’s history but, more importantly, she was absolutely blown away being able to find out about things like that about her own family.”
Ms Leach said information on the program was available by phoning 5229 2133 or 0421 116 176.
