Newsgroups: wgtn.chat,soc.culture.new-zealand,nz.general
Subject: Seniornet Launched in Wellington
From: rich@tosh.wcc.govt.nz (Richard Naylor )
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 92 21:21:39 GMT
Organization: City Net -  Wellington City Council's Community Computer Network

Author:	Sefulu Salesulu               
Date:	10-Apr-1992
Posted-date: 10-Apr-1992
Subject: seniornet opening new horizons 



             SENIORNET OPENING NEW HORIZONS FOR SENIORS



" I wonder how I managed without a computer... I have to be careful 
not to become an addict and my wife has to remind me to go outside 
occasionally to get away from my computer" says Ton Beck, one of the 
first seniors in New Zealand to learn to use SeniorNet.

Luckily his wife, Jo, is also learning to use SeniorNet, a new 
computer network being launched by the Governor General in 
Wellington today.  SeniorNet is sponsored in New Zealand by Telecom, 
using experiences of Ameritech and Bell Atlantic in the United 
States.  Telecom is sponsoring the establishment of the centre and 
the telecommunications links with North America as part of their 
community relations programme.  Digital Equipment Corporation has 
provided the installation of five of their latest Digital 386 PC's 
plus a laser printer for the SeniorNet Learning Centre.

SeniorNet was founded in the United States in 1986 by Mary Furlong, 
Professor of Education at the University of San Franciso and there 
are some 41 centres located throughout North America.  Designed 
specifically to encourage senior citizens to use computers, 
SeniorNet provides trainers to help older people learn at a pace 
they feel comfortable with.

The first SeniorNet Learning Centre outside North America is located 
at the Betty Campbell Centre, Wellington.  The trial Centre is being 
steered by the Retired Persons Association (RPA).  Earle Adams, 
National President of the RPA, is enthusiastic about the 
establishment of SeniorNet in New Zealand.

"I See SeniorNet as a great opportunity for senior citizens to learn 
something new - something that will increase their confidence in 
their own abilities and enhance their already valuable role in the 
community" said Mr Adams.

SeniorNet provides computer facilities, software and training for 
members to learn various computer function, including word 
processing and spreadsheets.

Overseas, over 4000 senior citizens are already using SeniorNet to 
manage their financial records, write letters to family, document 
genealogies, maintain home inventories, update mailing lists and 
keep informations on their hobbies.

82-year old Estele Goodman of Philadephia says, in referring to the 
fact her grandchildren are at ease with computers, "I dont want to 
be left behind - I wont be left behind".

Rosemary Brandon of San Francisco first learned to use a computer in 
a SeniorNet class in 1988.  She now has a very responsible job with 
SeniorNet, maintaining the SeniorNet database.  She also, on a 
volunteer basis, maintaining the SeniorNet database.  She also, on a 
volunteer basis, maintains the membership records of her 
neighbourhood association, a group badly hit by the 1989 
earthquarke.  Through her work, people who have been out of their 
homes ever since, have been able to stay in contact as they pursued 
their options for rebuilding.

An exciting feature of SeniorNet is its international mailbox.  New 
Zealand SeniorNet members can chat "online" with North American 
users, exchanging information and building friendships.  They will 
also make contact with people that want to visit this country and 
become computerised "ambassadors" for New Zealand.

SeniorNet members can also access the vast amount of information 
which includes current news, hobby and recreation, travel (plus an 
on-line booking Service), health care and the latest details on 
computer software.

"SeniorNet will help older people overcome their fear of technology.  
It will also be valuable in broadening their skills and interests 
and helping them make new friends, both in New Zealand and overseas" 
said Mr Adams.  "SeniorNet is going to open new horizons for so many 
of our senior citizens".

For further information
Jane Austin, Telecom Wellington 04-382-1978 home 04-471-2798
Earle Adams, Retired Persons' Association, 04-476-4015
Alan Clyne, Digital Equipment, 04-472-8286 
         clyne@nzov01.enet.dec.com
         



--
rich@tosh.wcc.govt.nz (Richard Naylor )

Newsgroups: nz.general