Limerick’s ‘silver blogger’, 64, up for European award
Angela Gallagher, 64, pictured with President Michael D Higgins at last year's Google Age Action Silver Surfer awards in Dublin. Angela has been shortlisted for a European e-Inclusion award
THE SPEED with which the digital world keeps evolving can be frightening for anyone, especially if you weren’t computer savvy to begin with.
However, the incredible success of 64-year-old blogger Angela Gallagher from Ardagh is proof that it’s never too late to find your voice online.
Last year, despite having no real knowledge of blogs or the internet beforehand, Angela started up a blog called ‘a silver voice from Ireland’. Over the past fourteen months, Angela’s posts about genealogy, family history and her interests have been read by over 20,000 people.
Angela is now one of only three people to be short listed for the European Commission’s e-Inclusion awards, which take place in Brussels this weekend.
Angela said that she had little knowledge of blogging or social media before last year, but that didn’t hold her back.
“It’s made an incredible difference to my life. It just adds another enhancement to your life... I really can think of nothing more enjoyable than this form of social engagement. It is mentally challenging and stimulating and has given me a new lease of life.”
Angela was nominated for the award by Age Action after her success in last year’s Google Age Action Silver Surfer awards, where she came first in the social networking category. She since saw off entries from a total of 35 countries to be short listed in the ‘I am part of IT’ category.
Angela said that her son, an avid blogger himself, set her up with the basic tools to blog last year, after her daughter emigrated to Australia.
Angela said that no matter how unfamiliar someone might be with computers, learning how to blog is a simple and rewarding experience.
“What Age Action want people to do, particularly, is get younger people to mentor older people in how to set up blogs and use them. Once you do that, it’s like a Word document. It’s very easy to get in and add something new. It’s something that really is a way to go, especially in rural communities. Not everybody wants to join the ICA”.
To see Angela’s blog, log on to http://thesilvervoice.wordpress.com.
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