Seniors' texting class jam-packed

Photo: HANNAH NORTON

NIFTY FINGERS: Sylvia Witehira, left, helps Vera Gray learn how to text in an Age Concern Counties Manukau texting workshop.

Auckland seniors have tackled text language and are using to it keep in touch with loved ones.

Not one seat in the St Johns Community Centre classroom was empty when Age Concern Counties Manukau held a texting workshop recently.

Community development officer Wayne Wilson says it was a full house and the three-hour workshop went "extremely well".

"Everyone was really productive."

Each older person had a volunteer buddy to help them work through exercises such as turning off predictive text and sending text messages.

"Texting is much cheaper than making a phone call so it's perfect for older folk if they can master it," Mr Wilson says.

"One lady sent a text message to her son in Australia who happened to be in a board meeting.

"He texted back saying: 'Well done, Mum, you're a star. Welcome to the 21st century.' She was tickled pink she could keep in touch with family in Australia for nine cents."

Vera Gray is also planning on using her newly acquired skills for the same reason.

"I did the course so I could text my children," she says.

Her text buddy Sylvia Witehira saw a Manukau Courier story calling for volunteer buddies and had free time so offered to help.

The course has proved so popular another is planned for November 22 at the St Johns Community Centre in Papatoetoe.

Call Age Concern Counties Manukau on 279-4331 ext 800 for more information.