Many older Australians may think online games are a time waster but the eSafety Commissioner will prove them wrong today with the launch of a web-based word game as part of the Be Connected program.
The Word Up game is a chance for older Australians to get some game time in, while also sharpening their word skills and increasing their confidence with online activities.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said older Australians shouldn’t let the kids get all the fun and benefits of being online.
‘Exploring online games like the one we’ve developed in Word Up can really build an extensive range of “real-world” benefits such as manual dexterity and brain plasticity,’ she said.
‘Mastering an online game can get older Australians thinking about what else they can make happen on the web,’ she said. ‘That’s a great starting point to build knowledge and skills to make the most of the web. And most importantly it’s a fun way of keeping the mind active!’
The Word Up game challenges players to make as many words as possible out of a random selection of letters in just three minutes to win points.
Play Word Up on the Be Connected website! Laptop and desk top users click here. Smartphone and tablet users click here.
The Be Connected website, managed by eSafety, provides free information, learning modules and webinars designed to empower older Australians to safely use the internet and digital technology. Be Connected is a joint initiative between the Department of Social Services, as the lead agency, eSafety and Good Things Foundation. Check out the website today at beconnected.esafety.gov.au.