Silver Surfer Awards to make waves with half a million non-liners

Open eir was today unveiled as the sponsor of the Silver Surfer Awards with Age Action.

The awards celebrate and recognise the achievements of older people using technology and the internet, as well as the volunteers who teach these skills.

Almost one in five adults have never used the internet - more than 550,000 people in Ireland. The majority of these are older people with 53 per cent of these aged 60 to 74 never having been online. Only 3 per cent of those aged 75 and over have used the internet.

Speaking about the two-year partnership with the charity, Open eir managing director Carolan Lennon said: "The internet opens up a whole new world to users and we want to recognise, celebrate and reward all of the great things our silver surfers are doing.

"If you are a silver surfer, or if you have a family member or friend who is using the Internet as part of their daily lives, then please log onto the Age Action website and fill out the nomination form. By doing so you’re highlighting the benefits of surfing online to older people throughout Ireland."

Now in its eighth year, the five categories for the 2017 open eir Silver Surfer Awards are:

- New to IT Award - a person over the age of 50 who is new to technology and has overcome challenges to become an IT user

- Hobbies on the Net Award - an older person who uses the internet to pursue their passion or hobby, or who uses IT for communication and social networking.

- Golden IT Award - an individual over the age of 80 who uses technology to enhance their life.

- Silver Surfer Award - an older person who embraces the Internet or technology with a sense of fun and adventure.

- IT Tutor(s) of the Year Award - an individual or group who provides voluntary support to older learners.

The closing date for entry is Friday February 17 2017. Nomination forms can be found atwww.ageaction.ie. The awards ceremony takes place in eir’s Head Office, 1HSQ, on Tuesday March 28 2017.