Boomers are now Zoomers

STAYING IN TOUCH… Zoomers, president of Shepparton U3A, Liz Lee and husband Harry Lee attend an online course in Italian via Zoom. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

For those more mature people among us looking to undertake some of the arm’s length courses run by U3A, coming to grips with technology and in particular Zoom meetings, has become an essential requirement if they want to stay connected.

The pandemic has put the spotlight on communications while remaining compliant with the isolation requirements set down by the government. For larger groups, Zoom has surfaced as the program of choice for groups and industry all around the world.

U3A in Shepparton offer a number of courses that are now being conducted through the use of Zoom meetings. I caught up with U3A president, Liz Lee and her husband Harry along with a dozen or so who  have been sitting at their computers at home  while beginning to continue with their course in Italian. For that occasion, Liz had set a background of Capri harbour to add flavour to her screen shot.

John Canty, formerly of Shepparton Access is now retired and can be found running a Zoom session on the ukulele . Other groups are engaged in philosophical discussions, others look at science or discuss the news and current affairs.

My own father has recently moved into an independent living accommodation that has imposed very strict rules on visitors as a means of isolating the residents from the pandemic.  He has adapted to a family Zoom meeting with my four sisters and myself each week that enables him to stay in touch while isolated.

The pandemic has been aggressive on the older population however technology has shot into prominence by giving older people the ability to stay in touch while staying out of harm’s way through face to face contact.