Written by Celine Louie
‘Same, same but different’. These few words perfectly capture the contrast between the young and the old in their relationship with technology. While we all belong to the same human family, the way we engage with and adapt to technology varies dramatically across generations.
Spend just a moment with a toddler, tablet in hand, and you’ll be awed by their effortless navigation of the apps, games and videos on the screen in front of them. Today’s kids are literally wired to thrive in this technological world. In contrast, those born in the ‘good old days’ before this digital age, find this ever-changing, tech driven landscape becoming increasingly more daunting.
For many seniors, technology was something they could easily avoid—until recent years. The sudden shift, especially since the recent plandemic, has sent our world hurtling into the online space. Face to face interactions have become rarer, with government services and countless other aspects of life being relegated to the online realm- leaving no space left untouched by this digital frenzy.
The big question is: How can we best support and teach those who are struggling to keep up with this ever-changing digital landscape?
Youngster.co has recognised the need to support our seniors, and developed a clever concept that is literally transforming people’s lives. It’s an initiative that pairs tech-savvy ‘Youngsters’ with those less experienced, known as ‘Learners,’ who need assistance with technology—regardless of age.
You’ll find the Youngsters on a Tuesday morning in Stocklands Hervey Bay, their friendly faces and much needed patience, ready to support those in need.
I met with Heather, a Lead Youngster in the Hervey Bay team. She can see all too well the hurdles seniors face in today’s world, “I really admire the older generation. You know, some of them have grown up with dunnies in the backyard- they’ve had to get used to so much, so quickly.”
The thing about technology is that it evolves so rapidly, even a regular phone update can bring about a multitude of changes that require learning and adjustment. Most of us, tech-savvy or not, still don’t know all the features available to us.
The younger generation seems to have a natural affinity for discovering and embracing these changes, seamlessly integrating them into their daily lives. Meanwhile those of us who are a little less tech-savvy (myself included), often just wish things would have stayed the same.
One of the tech hurdles faced by seniors is that they don’t have anyone to help them when they have a problem- this is where Youngster.co can help bridge the gap.
“A lot of Learners live alone, or all the other people around them are older. When they do have younger family over, they don’t want to be stuffing around with technology. They just want to be having fun with their family. Sometimes they just need someone that they can sit with and just go through it. Sometimes all we need to do is give the Learner the confidence and assurance that they are doing the right thing.”Heather explains.
Studies show that Gen Z and Millenials now communicate more online, then they do in person- a shocking statistic that is only expected to rise. Supporting our seniors in the tech space, is crucial in ensuring that connections with family stay strong.
Heather highlights the positives of this effort, saying, “Helping a Learner struggling with technology is so rewarding. They can now talk to their grandchild who’s in another state or country on FaceTime, and they can see them and truly be a part of their life these days.”
With the rise in online fraud and scams, users of the service can be assured that all the Youngsters have undergone police checks, ensuring sensitive information is safe.
Heather explains the importance of being able to go somewhere for tech-help that isn’t family. “Some people that come to us don’t want to ask family for help. They don’t want to share their passwords and sensitive information. It’s important to them and helps maintain their personal dignity.”
Youngster.co in Hervey Bay currently has six team members, and has been offering its services in Hervey Bay for over a year. Youngsters are provided on-going training and support when they need it, and although the service is free for Learners, the Youngsters are paid for their time.
The friendly team work well together, each member having their own specialty field, so no matter what the problem, someone is always able to help. “We’ve got a variety of personalities as well; we’ve got quiet members and chatty ones, so we can match Learners to Youngsters which is really good.”With a smile, Heather admits she’s one of the chatty ones.
More than eager to help, the Youngster team is there for you. Regardless of whether you have one specific question, a long list of problems, or you just want the tools to start learning. They currently offer public sessions between 10-12pm each Tuesday beside the Information Centre at Stocklands, with view to offering this service in more locations.
Bookings are available in 30 minute time slots and can be made online via the Youngster.co website. You can also drop in and make a booking in person through the Stocklands Customer Care Desk. For those struggling with tech issues at home, there is also a paid service for one-on-one ‘at home’ help available.
In this world of technological advances, sticking our heads in the sand is no longer an option- as much as we may want the world to go back to the way it was. It’s everywhere and affects us all, all of the time. The only way to thrive in this new world is to acquire the knowledge and learning to navigate it. Thanks to clever initiatives such as Youngers.co no one need be left behind.
If you are feeling increasingly confused and left behind in this technological age, do reach out to the team- they are armed with the patience and know-how to get you on your way.
