Kathleen McDonald

Kathleen McDonald, 62, is certainly taking advantage of the classes being offered at her local Age Concern centre in Newcastle, and is eager to learn how to use the internet.

Soon to retire, Kathleen is looking forward to pursuing new hobbies such as gardening and is using the internet classes as a way of preparing for her retirement.

Kathleen said: "I'm planning on taking up gardening. It's a new hobby, and one that I will need lots of guidance on, so I'm hoping that the internet will supply lots of wonderful information that is immediately available, rather than having to spend money buying books."

The internet will also enable Kathleen to keep in touch with friends. As she lives on her own, once she retires, she will still be able to have regular contact with her old work colleagues via email.

The more Kathleen uses the internet, the easier she finds it, and thanks to the support from her classes at Age Concern, her confidence is growing. Having recently booked holiday flights online, it is clear to Kathleen that the internet really is opening new doors for her and allowing her to become more independent.

Age Concern in Newcastle has been open since 1962; the IT suites at the centre were introduced four and a half years ago, with the aim to give older people the opportunity to learn how to use computers. There are 16 volunteers at the Cyber Cafe who run 17 classes per week attended by 150 people, as well as the people who drop in and use the Cyber Cafe.

Kathleen McDonald

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