Technology and older people brought together in unique computing centre

The User Centre in the Queen Mother Building - the striking new home to the Division of Applied Computing - was officially opened by University rector Lorraine Kelly, who admitted to recognising the sort of fear of technology the Centre hopes to help people overcome.

The User Centre is the focus of the innovative research being carried out at Applied Computing into how older people interact with new technologies.

Opening the centre, Lorraine said, "It's not just older people who are wary of new technology. I remember when I first started using e-mail, I would send one and then immediately phone the person to see if they had received it!

"In this centre the University is again conducting groundbreaking research which will greatly assist older people. If technology can be made easier for older people to use it will greatly enhance their lives."

The Division contains one of the largest and most influential academic groups in the world researching into information technology for older and disabled people.

Division head Dr Peter Gregor said, "Most technology is created by young men working on the west coast of America. They might find the programs and technology they create easy to use, but that doesn't mean that other people do.

"This User Centre is a fantastic and unique resource where researchers and students can meet and get to know older people, establish working relationships and carry out research which meets the genuine needs of older people and clarifies the role which computing systems can play in their lives.

"For their part, older people can come in and enjoy the comfortable environment while learning about computing in their lives and taking part in cutting edge research. It's a genuine partnership."