On Sydney’s picturesque North Shore, a remarkable gentleman is proving that age is merely a number when it comes to mastering the digital age. Dean Simes, an incredible 102-year-old, is believed to be Australia’s oldest tech-support guru, leading the Computer Pals seniors computer club in Turramurra.
Mr. Simes is dedicated to demystifying technology for his peers, guiding senior citizens through the intricacies of modern digital life. His club offers invaluable lessons on a wide array of computer and smartphone functions, from navigating Windows 11 and mastering Microsoft Excel to the essentials of WhatsApp.
“People who join this club are finding themselves needing to engage with the computer world more and more,” Mr. Simes explained. He vividly remembers the club’s inception in 2000, when Windows XP was the latest innovation. “Now we’re on Windows 11, and there have been so many changes over the years,” he noted. “You simply can’t avoid having to use a computer these days.”
During a recent visit, Mr. Simes was observed patiently assisting Vera and Michael Last with setting up WhatsApp on their Android phones. He even employed a lesson he’d drafted using artificial intelligence, projected onto a large screen for clarity. Ms. Last, 94, recalled being proficient with computers during her working life but admitted to feeling out of her depth in recent years. “Things seem to deteriorate in my tiny mind, so I need all the help I can get,” she shared. Both she and her husband confessed they’d never actually enquired about Mr. Simes’s age. “It wasn’t a criterion,” Mr. Last added with a smile.
Bill Soper, the club’s secretary and treasurer, spoke glowingly of Mr. Simes’s exceptional expertise. “All of us bow down to Dean’s knowledge of computers,” he stated, highlighting the respect Mr. Simes commands within the group.
A Late Bloomer in the Tech World
Mr. Simes’s journey into the tech realm is as fascinating as his longevity. His early career was spent in the mining industry, transitioning to a consulting role in the 1980s after relocating to Sydney. While he encountered computers in his professional life, he didn’t acquire his own until his eighties, purchasing a second-hand machine.
Upon retiring, Mr. Simes’s desire to deepen his understanding of computers and assist others grew. “When I first got my own hand-me-down computer, I found I was asking people for help,” he recounted. “I needed to know more, so I did three years 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 club’s president, Mr. Simes has been instrumental in its growth. He personally acquired most of the club’s equipment and remains responsible for its upkeep. His teaching repertoire extends to the internet, email, and computer storage solutions.
Navigating the AI Landscape
Ever keen to stay abreast of technological advancements, Mr. Simes is also well-versed in the burgeoning field of AI search engines. He acknowledges their utility but stresses the importance of precision in queries. “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
Mr. Simes understands that some seniors may feel hesitant about embracing technology. However, he firmly believes it’s becoming increasingly challenging to navigate modern life without digital literacy. His primary advice for those struggling is simple yet effective: practice – but practice the right way.
“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 explained. “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 dedication to empowering the elderly through technology has not gone unnoticed. The Ku-ring-gai Council recognised his invaluable contributions, naming him Local Citizen of the Year at a ceremony in January. Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay praised him as the “go-to person for all tech issues” and lauded Computer Pals as a “wonderful community group empowering senior citizens to access digital technology and learn new skills.”
Mindset Over Age
Jocelyn Brewer, a digital literacy advocate and founder of Digital Nutrition, observes that many older Australians lack the same confidence with technology as younger generations. “People who are younger and growing up with emerging technology are more hands on,” she stated. “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 critical need for older generations to engage with technology to protect themselves from scams and online misinformation. “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 advised. “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 maintains a vibrant and active lifestyle. He plays bridge, dedicates time to his six children, participates in a Probus club, and still drives his car. He also hits the gym regularly to maintain his muscle tone.
While Mr. Simes acknowledges that he will eventually have to step down from running Computer Pals, for now, he remains enthusiastically engaged. “I suppose it stops me from being a couch potato,” he quipped. “I don’t get too much time sitting twiddling my thumbs.”
