A FOUNDATION established to change perceptions of older people and of ageing last week launched Australia's first YouTube channel to provide relevant news and information to over 55s.
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Residents at IRT Dalmeny gathered on Thursday to watch the new channel entitled the “The Good Life”.
"The Good Life YouTube channel will deliver professionally produced, commercial-free monthly episodes on everything from news, people profiles, lifestyle and finance," said IRT Foundation manager Toby Dawson.
Over 55s are the fastest growing YouTube demographic, but there's little non-commercial Australian content available for this audience.
"We saw a gap in the market and an opportunity to provide useful information to older Australians in an easy to access and watch format," Mr Dawson said.
"The beauty of a YouTube channel is that people can watch it pretty much anywhere on their smartphone or tablet, when it suits them."
"We know that social isolation is an issue for many older Australians, so we're hoping The Good Life will give them a reason to start or continue engaging in social media and online communities," he said.
IRT Foundation was established in 2014 by IRT Group to help make Australian communities more age-friendly through education and advocacy, community grants and research grants.
"The Good Life YouTube channel is one of our education and advocacy initiatives," said IRT Group Chief Executive, Nieves Murray.
"Our aim is to inform and inspire, because to truly enable people to age without barriers, we need to shift people's perceptions about ageing, and
that includes seniors' perceptions of themselves.
"As well as news, the episodes will highlight some of the remarkable things older Australians are doing, in order to encourage and empower our viewers," she said.
The 30-minute monthly episodes are hosted by Wollongong's Pete Gatwood and Gwen Wilson, along with intrepid on-the-ground reporters from various communities. IRT Foundation will develop a Facebook community around the channel to provide more opportunities for over 55s to socialise and learn online.
To watch The Good Life go to: bit.do/the-good-life
Today's launch coincides with the United Nations' International Day of Older Persons: www.undesadspd.org/Ageing
