Whiddon Easton Park resident Terry Emmerton, 77, shows how to become a tech-savvy senior
Terry Emmerton, 77, lives at Whiddon Easton Park, at Glenfield, felt isolated after the death of his beloved wife Brenda and is now proving it is never too late to get online and stay connected.
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TERRY Emmerton, 77, lives at Whiddon Easton Park, at Glenfield, felt isolated after the death of his beloved wife Brenda and is now proving it is never too late to get online and use technology to stay connected with family and friends.
Mr Emmerton said it was Brenda who first suggested he buy a computer to pursue his interests and keep in touch with loved ones when he retired from work.
He took Brenda’s advice, did a short course with Campbelltown Senior Cyber Seekers and now his computer stops him from feeling isolated and helps him stay connected.
“I am a news and current affairs addict and my computer helps me to stay informed,’’ Mr Emmerton said.
Through his computer, Mr Emmerton regularly talks on Skype with his cousin Ron who lives in Essex, in England, and who he has not seen for 40 years.
“It’s very special. It’s great to be able to talk to family members and because of the time difference we talk early in the morning or at night,’’ Mr Emmerton said.
Each day after breakfast, Mr Emmerton logs onto the computer to read what’s going on in the world.
He also emails with family members and uses Facebook.
When he sometimes has trouble typing, he uses an app that helps him record his voice to send messages.
“I decided to give computers a go when my wife suggested it after I retired,’’ he said.
“I was moping around the house. The computer saves you from being isolated. I would recommend it to anybody.’’
Mr Emmerton, wife Brenda and their two children emigrated from the UK 52 years ago.
The couple went on to have two more children in Australia.