Okay, all you baby boomers reading this, trying to pretend (as I do occasionally) that we're so up to date with rapidly changing technology. I could only wish!

Did you know there's a fabulous service available in the Illawarra (much of it free) that can guide you through the digital minefield which faces so many of us as we try to navigate our smartphones, laptops and tablets?

It's called Living Connected and its focus is on providing services for the well-being of Illawarra's seniors, helping them to remain independent, connected and engaged through digital inclusion.

It was created by Helen Gooding, who recognised the need for the program about 15 years ago when her late husband started developing early onset dementia.

"As time went on I became involved as a carer, and it was at that time that I realised just how much we rely on technology."

Helen's field of expertise is information systems. Always interested in technology, she started researching how much older people rely on technology.

The generational digital gap

"It quickly became clear there was a big gap in knowledge between younger and older people," Helen said.

"The primary purpose of Living Connected is to provide an integrated assistance program of digital mentoring for seniors who become increasingly isolated as they age. Whereas younger people in similar circumstances would use digital technology to stay connected and productive, fewer of our elders can do so."

Helen and her team focus on exactly what people want to achieve with technology; sorting out digital photos, coming to grips with online banking, installing or removing apps, connecting with family overseas or interstate; all the tasks proving almost impossible to do if you're not online.

It's the ultimate problem-solving service and to date the not-for-profit organisation has assisted more than 2000 people. Its reach has expanded over the years from Wollongong LGA to Batemans Bay and to the Southern Highlands.

Help is available in many places

"Our services are delivered in small groups in community centres, in the comfort of your own home, or online when required," Helen said. "In all settings you'll receive individual help from a trained mentor in a friendly and supportive manner."

The Living Connected volunteers are a mix of students, former teachers and retirees. Helen said many who seek help come to the team with some trepidation but they realise how important it is for modern day living.

"Government agencies now expect all citizens to interact with them online and access online government and public services [as it] benefits both the government in terms of efficiency, as well as individuals who save time and experience increased convenience.

COVID created a bigger problem

"We find beginners accessing our service for the first time are either terrified and scared of touching anything on their device, or they click on everything and end up in a mess with viruses.

"In recent years, the pandemic took frustrations with technology to a whole new level. With lockdowns and social isolation more and more people acquired a smart phone.

"Many older people were given a phone by their children so they could stay in touch but there was no real handover in terms of teaching them how to use it. That led to huge levels of frustration," Helen said.

"Many people couldn't remember their passwords and were getting locked out after trying and failing on too many occasions. When you know how to reset a password it's a pretty simple process but it's not so easy when people get into a panic.

The importance of passwords

"It's similar with laptops. Adult kids pass on their old device to their parents and help set them up, but they don't tell them how important it is to remember their passwords.

"We also help a lot of people to access their health records on their phones."

Most Living Connected services are free, including a first home visit from one of the team's mentors. Subsequent home visits incur a reasonable charge with a discount for those on a pension. Clients can pay via their home care package if they have one.

The Living Connected team is taking a short break over the festive season and will return with drop-in help sessions at Corrimal Library on Wednesday, 8 January and at Fairy Meadow on Friday, 14 February.

For more information on how and where to access Living Connected support, visit www.livingconnected.org.au