Halcyon Glades’ newcomers Keith and Kathy Elliott are making the digital revolution work for them, reflecting the trend across Halcyon communities, where tablet and smartphone usage amongst home owners has risen almost 10 per cent over the past year.

 

Like a growing proportion of older Australians Mr and Mrs Elliott are finding that the online world can make life easier, simpler and better - accessing library books, music, movies, YouTube, news, online banking and keeping in touch via video chat with their family in France.

 

Mr Elliot said he uses the web like an instruction manual. “If you want to know how to install a dishwasher or work on an outboard motor you can find it on YouTube, and if not, you’re sure to find an answer on Google,” he said.

 

Mrs Elliott uses YouTube for tuning into her favourite television shows and has eliminated trips to the library by streaming books through her e-reader whilst Mr Elliott has taken it a step further by streaming audio books onto his phone listening to them through his Bluetooth earphones, which offer a better quality of sound. Through the use of apps they can access news, sport, catch-up TV shows, movies and documentaries at any time.

 

Embracing the on-line world however hasn’t stopped them from enjoying an active life at the Caboolture community. Since their move from the Sunshine Coast Hinterland the couple have embraced the “lock and leave’ philosophy with overseas travel and road trips in their motor home as well as enjoying swimming, walking and Tai Chi.