Pensioner IT Guru Helps Older People Use Technology

Colin Rout, a 68-year-old IT expert from Hastings, has been involved in providing computer workshops to people of all ages. The workshops are held at the local WRVS community centre three times a week and focus on how people can get the most out of the internet.

For his work, Mr Rout has been nominated and crowned the official O2 Guru for Life. This means that he will work with current O2 Gurus to help more pensioners get to grips with technology.

The choice in favor of Colin Rout was the result of a nationwide search for the most tech-savvy pensioner in the UK. One of his students felt that he fitted the bill and nominated him.

Because of his experience working with people of all ages, Mr Rout has a very clear understanding of what older people need to help them understand and get used to the new technology.

Mr Rout said: “As an IT teacher, I’ve discovered that older people are just as quick at picking up computer skills as their younger counterparts. What they need is the right support and guidance to enable them to get to grips with this wealth of technology and, once they have, many are hooked and use smart technology and computer applications to improve the quality of their everyday lives.”

He was therefore considered the perfect person to help O2 with its quest in stores and online to remove some barriers between technology and the pensioners who could benefit from it.

According to O2 Guru Leader Phil Nolan, there is no age limit for getting some good use out of technology. Mr Nolan however also acknowledged that some older people find themselves a bit alienated by a basic lack of support when they want to start using it. This is one of the aims of the Life Guru program.

Mr Nolan said: “Gurus for Life is about technology for everyone – by providing the help people need to unlock its benefits.”

And now, the Gurus for Life have Colin Rout as its ambassador for the older generations. According to a report in the Mobile Magazine, he works both in his local community and nationwide to inspire people with the power of technology and help them improve their lives.

The Guru for Life campaign started in June 2011 after a finding that almost half of people over 65 feel confident using modern technology. This is despite the preconception that this age group is unlikely to be interested in using such technology.

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