Australia’s Oldest Tech Whiz: 102-Year-Old Dean Simes Champions Digital Literacy for Seniors
In the leafy suburbs of Sydney’s North Shore, a remarkable individual is proving that age is truly no barrier when it comes to mastering the digital world. Dean Simes, a sprightly 102-year-old, is believed to be Australia’s oldest tech-support guru, tirelessly leading the Computer Pals seniors computer club in Turramurra. His dedication is not just about keeping up with the times; it’s about empowering a generation to navigate an increasingly digital landscape.
Mr. Simes’s club offers invaluable guidance to senior citizens, demystifying a wide array of computer and smartphone functions. From the intricacies of Windows 11 and the data organisation of Microsoft Excel to the everyday communication of WhatsApp, he ensures that older Australians can confidently engage with the technology that shapes modern life.
“People who join this club are finding they have to live with the computer world more and more,” Mr. Simes explained. Reflecting on the club’s inception in 2000, he noted the dramatic evolution of technology. “When this club started, XP was just coming out, and now we’re in Windows 11. Over the years, there’s been a lot of changes. You simply can’t avoid having to use a computer.”
During a recent visit by ABC Radio Sydney, Mr. Simes was demonstrating how to set up WhatsApp on Android phones for club members Vera and Michael Last. He ingeniously used a lesson he had drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence, projected onto a large screen for all to see. Ms. Last, 94, recalled her earlier proficiency with computers during her working life but admitted to feeling a disconnect in recent years. “Things seem to deteriorate in my tiny mind, so I need all the help I can get,” she candidly shared. Both she and her husband expressed that Mr. Simes’s age was never a factor in their decision to seek his help. “It wasn’t a criteria,” Mr. Last stated simply.
Bill Soper, the club’s secretary treasurer, spoke with immense admiration for Mr. Simes’s technical prowess. “All of us bow down to Dean’s knowledge of computers,” he said, highlighting the legendary status of Mr. Simes’s expertise within the group.
A Late Bloomer in the Tech World
Mr. Simes’s journey into the realm of technology is as fascinating as his current role. His earlier career was firmly rooted in the mining industry. It wasn’t until the 1980s, after relocating to Sydney, that he transitioned into consulting. While he used computers in his professional capacity, he didn’t acquire his own personal computer until his eighties, and even then, it was a second-hand purchase.
Upon retiring, Mr. Simes felt a compelling desire to deepen his understanding of computers and, crucially, to assist others in doing the same. “When I first got my own hand-me-down computer, I found I was asking people for help,” he recounted. This personal need for knowledge spurred him to undertake three years of study at TAFE. “I also had in mind that I could perhaps help others in this computer club [Computer Pals], which I joined.”
Now serving as the president of Computer Pals, Mr. Simes has been instrumental in not only teaching but also in procuring much of the club’s equipment and overseeing its maintenance. His teaching repertoire spans essential digital skills, including internet navigation, email management, and understanding computer storage.
Navigating the Age of AI and Digital Pitfalls
Mr. Simes is remarkably attuned to the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence, particularly AI search engines. He views them as valuable tools, but with a crucial caveat: they are most effective when queried with highly specific information. “If you ask a general question, you might find yourself down a rabbit hole chasing things that had nothing to do with what you want,” he cautioned. “You’ve got to be careful when you do this to make sure your question is as precise and limited as you can make it.”
The Power of Practice and Mindset
Understanding that some older individuals might feel apprehensive about technology, Mr. Simes firmly believes that avoiding it is becoming increasingly untenable. His core advice for those finding technology challenging is simple yet profound: practice. However, he stresses the importance of practicing the right things.
“It’s fun for perhaps playing solitaire for a bit, but apart from teaching you how to use the mouse, you don’t really learn a lot more,” he observed. “When … you’re shown how to do something, don’t just be shown. Do it yourself, under supervision, go home and do it again and again.”
His unwavering commitment to digital inclusion for the elderly has not gone unnoticed. Ku-ring-gai Council recognised his contributions by naming him Local Citizen of the Year at a ceremony in January. Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay praised him, stating, “Dean is the ‘go-to’ person for all tech issues. Computer Pals is a wonderful community group empowering senior citizens to access digital technology and learn new skills.”
Beyond Age: A Mindset for Digital Engagement
Jocelyn Brewer, a digital literacy advocate and founder of Digital Nutrition, underscores the disparity in digital confidence between younger and older generations. “People who are younger and growing up with emerging technology are more hands on,” she noted. Ms. Brewer also highlighted a critical gap in education: “No-one’s been taught how to be scam-aware … it’s often when things go wrong that you get some of this advice.”
Ms. Brewer emphasises the vital importance of technology engagement for older Australians, not only to prevent them from becoming targets of scams and misinformation but also to foster a sense of connection. “Anyone who accesses the internet … really needs to know not just the technical aspects of how to use it, but actually some of the psychological impacts and the risks around its use,” she explained. Ultimately, she believes, “Numbers and age is really a construct. It’s really about your mindset.”
Staying Active and Engaged
Beyond his role as a tech mentor, Mr. Simes leads an impressively active life. He plays bridge, dedicates time to his six children, participates in a Probus club, and still drives his car. He also maintains his physical well-being with regular gym visits to preserve muscle tone. While he acknowledges that eventually, he may have to step down from running Computer Pals, for now, he remains enthusiastically occupied. “I suppose it stops me from being a couch potato,” Mr. Simes quipped. “I don’t get too much time sitting twiddling my thumbs.” His continued engagement serves as a powerful testament to the fact that learning and contributing can, and should, continue throughout life.
