IT volunteer video 1 - transcript

In today’s digital world using technology is no longer an optional extra. Age UK want to make sure that older people aren’t excluded and that they acquire the skills and confidence to start using modern technology in everyday life. 

You’ve probably grown up with these things, but for older people technology like computers, mobile phones and the internet can be a bit confusing, sometimes even a little scary. You’re watching this because you’ve chosen to help Age UK by volunteering a little of your time to share some of your technology-know-how.

You don’t need to be an IT expert - maybe you can show someone how to send an email or text, or how to take a digital photo and post it on the internet. A little knowledge like this can help someone in your community keep in touch with family or friends, especially if they can’t get out-and-about - so thank you!

You need to start by thinking about WHO you can help, and HOW.

Have a think. Who could you share your skills with? You might have a grandmother who wants to email you, a neighbour who wants to shop online, or a friend or relative who wants to send a text message. There are plenty of skills you take for granted that someone a bit older than you will find useful.

The great thing about modern technology is that its often mobile, so you can share your skills almost anywhere. You can take it to them, they can bring it to you. It can be a park bench, in the pub or in their armchair - the important thing is that you both feel comfortable.

It’s worth asking people what their skills and interests are. By striking up this conversation you can always lead into “Do you know how to...” A perfect opportunity for them to tell you what they want to know.

Have a think about your skills and what you’d like to show someone. Our top tips are a good starting point if you’re worried. 

Let the person guide you but be ready to offer ideas - some rough notes might help.
          
It’s worth reminding your trainee that millions of different people use this technology every day - it MIGHT look alarming but if everyone else can do it so can they. It just takes practice.

If you make it fun it won’t be scary.

Remember to keep checking the person is taking it in.

Don’t be too ambitious or you’ll BOTH tire of the job!

If you break the learning down into small steps you can praise as you go along.

Notes will give them something to refer to as well as helping you both make sure its being understood.

Remember that YOU might do things without thinking that other people will need to see in slow motion, and in small steps.

• Don’t force but encourage them to have a go.
• Be aware that people might know much more, or less than they appear to.
• It’s normal to go over things a number of times when learning a new skill.

Age UK’s research shows that many older people don’t try to use technology like computers because they worry they’ll break them. Point out that unless they physically break it, most of the time, no matter where they go wrong its simply a matter of switching off and starting again. It’s difficult to break a computer!   

These points are useful to remember whoever you are sharing your knowledge with but it may be that the person you’re working with has some extra needs to consider. They may be hard of hearing, short-sighted or perhaps not have the dexterity in their fingers to easily work small buttons. It’s worth taking a moment to think about the best way to deal with this. The very people that can benefit the most from these new skills might well need additional help to use them effectively.

If the person you are helping has some hearing loss there are a few key points that will help.

Try to make sure there’s enough light in the room and you’re facing the person directly, speaking slowly and clearly. Don’t just speak loudly - older people often have trouble hearing high pitched sounds so speak in a LOW tone if you think they’re having trouble hearing. And try to make sure there isn’t too much background noise - unless you are using it turn off that television!

Look at the computer, camera or phone and find out what can be changed to make visual rather than sound-based signals - there are ways to make everything easier, you’ll probably learn something yourself!

Many people’s eyesight needs support and it’s useful to start by checking the person has the best equipment for their level of vision and that it’s set up in the best way for them to use. If it’s not set up correctly work with them to correct it. It’s easy to increase font size, displays, screen colours, and contrast as well as using sound rather than visual signals, so that they work better for people with sight loss. 

Make sure the room is lit correctly so they can see what you are doing - lighting should come from behind, be even and not glaring. Try to use touch, sound, and large, clear visual clues to reinforce instructions and make sure there is a high contrast between foreground and background. If you are helping them keep notes, font size 14 is best as a minimum.

It can be very dispiriting to watch younger people moving as if by magic through their technologies when conditions common to aging make things harder for older people but there are accessible formats that can help. Some phones have bigger keypads than others, computers can have different mouse pads. Work with the older person to find various options that suit them in terms of price and accessibility.

And above all be patient, and encourage them to be patient too - it takes practice!

By thinking just a little bit about how to approach this volunteering YOU are helping Age UK keep older people in touch with the world around them. Your time means that a person living in later life might overcome their fear of technology, forge stronger links with family, friends and their own community, and become more self-confident. Or it might just mean that your mother can see what you’re doing via facebook. For which we apologise in advance.