News

Older Aussies getting tech-savvy thanks to Internet kiosks

March 2, 2011

The Australian government has completed the installation of 2,000 Internet kiosks under its $15-million Broadband for Seniors program that is providing nearly 94,000 elderly citizens with free access to PCs and the Internet.

According to this story, older Australians have received 43,000 basic online lessons since the program's launch in 2009.

The program helps seniors keep in contact with their communities, family and friends, using e-mail, Skype and Facebook, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

In a recent survey of kiosk users, 86 percent of respondents said their skills had improved and 84 percent reported increased confidence in using new technology.