Older Aussies are trading crosswords for creative coding classes
Older Australians are increasingly participating in coding and AI workshops to bridge the digital divide. Trainers are focusing on simplified platforms like Scratch to help seniors gain confidence in navigating modern technology.
Why it matters
As society becomes more digitized, targeted education for seniors is essential to prevent social and economic exclusion of the aging population.
A growing number of over-60s are fighting back against digital exclusion , fronting up for coding courses and artificial intelligence (AI) workshops to help them thrive in an increasingly online world .
IT consultant and trainer Thomas McCoy, 62, was inspired to focus on teaching after completing his master's degree as a mature student.
"I was the oldest in the group, and the other 15 were around my daughter's age," he said.
Digital trainer Jacky Barker (right) with Michelle from Byron Seniors Club. Picture supplied During the course, McCoy found all his peers were mostly interested in training young people.
"I thought, 'Bugger it, I'm going to choose something for my age group'."
As society becomes increasingly centred around digital communication and AI, older people are most at risk of missing out, according to RMIT's Australian Digital Inclusion Index .
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