An update from GCMA Chief executive officer Julianne Parkinson
During this unprecedented time, I have been heartened by the many people reaching out to their older neighbours, friends and work colleagues with acts of kindness, from offering to do their shopping, to dropping off care packs, to simply being a listening ear for their concerns about the coronavirus epidemic.
Over the coming months many people may feel confined to their homes. However, greater isolation does not need to lead to loneliness, and for many, technology will play a vital role in maintaining links to the outside world.
We can all play a part in enabling people to remain connected to those around them. If you have an older neighbour, friend or work colleague, please take a moment to reach out and ask them what supports they might need (if any). This may be as simple as sending a thoughtful text, letting them know they can contact you if needed. It could be dropping a note in their letterbox with your contact details should they need them.
You could also offer support in using digital technologies such as video calls, telehealth and online shopping. Technology can help provide access to services and connections to loved ones, which can help to preserve people’s wellbeing during this challenging and uncertain time.
We know that increasing numbers of people are using technologies to socialise, connect, learn, and in many cases, work or run a business. But not everyone is digitally confident - a recent study by RMIT University’s School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, and University of Third Age (U3A)^ found that while older people have high levels of digital device ownership, they only have “moderate” levels of confidence in using the devices.
Indeed, if you are someone who would like to use technology to a greater extent but need some guidance, please also feel comfortable asking those around you for help.
Supporting Our Employees, Clients, Guests, Suppliers and Contractors
As always, the safety of people, including our employees, clients, guests, suppliers and contractors remains our top priority and we are implementing safeguards in line with the official Australian Government COVID-19 guidelines.
Our team remains available by all the usual contact methods, including phone and email. To support social distancing, we are conducting meetings virtually where possible. To read more about the steps we are taking, please see our website www.gcma.net.au.
Continuing to unleash the value of life experience
The focus remains on our leading role working with businesses, researchers and governments to seek and develop solutions that meet the needs of the growing and changing older community.
Despite the extraordinary environment facing organisations, great leaders remain committed to developing strategic collaborations to uncover the opportunities, wants, needs and experiences of older Australians.
I invite you to read further through our latest news, where you can learn about some of our recent work, gain key insights from our research report Ageing the Right Place – An Australian Perspective, hear what inspires our team member Amelia McCabe, and take in a beautiful story written from the heart by one of our valued co-designers, Vicki Jarnis.
Thank you for your continued interest and support of the Modern Ageing community.
- Julianne
^ www.shapingconnections.org
