My name is Nan Bosler and I continue to be amazed at the technology options that are available today and the ways that older Australians are making use of them.  We seniors who are retired certainly are Retired & Wired!

I’m the president of the Australian Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA).  ASCCA has a network of clubs in every state of Australia.  They provide a friendly non threatening environment for you to learn how to use a computer and access the internet or to build on what you already know.

The internet keeps me in touch with my family, friends and community; I see it as a doorway to the world.

Before I retired I used a computer to complete the tasks required for my job but now I can push out those perimeters and indulge in the things that I feel passionate about.  I’m sure it is the same for you.

Because I have seen so many seniors excited by what they can achieve as they explore the advantages and satisfaction of using technology I know that the opportunity offered by the Telstra Retired & Wired search is going to be ideal for them and hopefully for you.  Did you know that you can nominate yourself or someone else could nominate you? Maybe one of your grandchildren will want to enter you because they are so proud of their tech-savvy Nanna or Pa.

Full details and an entry form are available from www.facebook.com/Telstra or www.telstra.com.au/retired-wired

I’ve discovered that Facebook is a good way to keep in touch with your grandchildren.  I once needed to get in touch with one of my granddaughters fairly quickly and I knew it would take a while for them to check for messages on the family landline so I put a carefully worded message on her Facebook wall and I had a response within three minutes. Yes, three minutes.

If you are a grandparent you may be in a good position to gently remind your grandchildren to be a bit careful about putting too much personal information on their social networking pages.  They are never too young to be reminded of the need to be aware of prudent cyber safety.

Having spent 13 years as a primary carer and talking with other carers I realise just what a wonderful help the internet can be.  You can still participate with your community and keep in touch with friends via emails or Skype.  Indeed technology can open a door to the world.

I wonder what technology options you use?  I also wonder if you could be the new face of the Retired & Wired generation.    Why not enter?