IT MAY not be long before Wyndham’s elderly residents are teaching their grandchildren a thing or two about their iPads thanks to a pilot program by Wyndham Council in conjunction with researchers from Swinburne University.
As part of the program, the Swinburne researchers have created specially developed apps designed to stimulate the senses and improve mental and physical skills.
Mayor Heather Marcus said the trial has been so successful it’s being rolled out across Wyndham Council’s other Planned Activity Groups.
“Planned Activity Groups aim to meet the recreational and social needs of the frail aged, older adults and people with a disability in a relaxed and friendly environment, supported by trained staff and volunteers,” Cr Marcus said.
“By working with iPads, group members have been able to access newspapers in their own languages, look at their village of origin on Google Earth, email family members and engage in a range of picture and memory games.
“Most of the members of the group hadn’t used an iPad before this program, so it’s been really exciting to see how they’ve adapted so well to this new technology.”
For more information about the council’s Aged and Disability support groups phone 8734 0714 or visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au
