I’m delighted to introduce Isabelle, the dedicated founder of a unique service that bridges the gap between technology and seniors. What began as a heartfelt volunteering effort to assist her elderly neighbours in La Rochelle has grown into an outstanding business. With over 25 years of IT experience and a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by seniors, Isabelle offers more than just technical support—she provides a compassionate, tailored approach that genuinely resonates with her clients. Let’s explore her journey and discover how she’s enhancing seniors’ digital lives with both expertise and empathy!

After our introduction, I asked Isabelle a few questions to learn more about her work supporting seniors with technology.

Isabelle Cantin, Owner at Cours d’informatique Séniors 17

Thanks for your time, Isabelle. Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to help seniors with technology in France?

After a highly enriching career as an Executive Assistant in SMEs and large organisations, I wanted to utilise my IT knowledge and expertise in administrative procedures by passing them on to seniors. I aim to help bridge the digital divide that affects this age group. Digital exclusion is a serious issue, and my mission is both human and social, ensuring that seniors are not left behind or isolated due to a lack of understanding of these tools.

What are some common challenges French seniors face when learning to use technology, and do you think British expats in France face similar challenges?

French seniors have a lot of anxiety about digital tools. They are afraid of “breaking”; they don’t dare. They have to take ownership of a world that seems hostile to them at first, but in the end, after the training, they realize all the possibilities in terms of communication, culture, and exchanges that are available to them.

They need help creating online accounts, particularly when carrying out administrative procedures. Password management is another challenge, adding to their anxiety about security. They fear being hacked, so they do not dare to buy online.

British expatriates, like their French counterparts, also grapple with digital challenges. They, too, find online administrative procedures in France to be complex and cumbersome, especially when compounded by the language barrier. This shared experience can foster a sense of community and understanding.

What strategies do you use to make technology easier for seniors to understand, and do you think these approaches could benefit British expats who may need to be more tech-savvy?

My teaching method is adapted to the pace and needs of seniors. I use many images and compare them to real-life objects to make digital technology more accessible. Putting myself at their level makes everything more accessible for the seniors. I use a lot of psychology to understand where they are stuck. I give them self-confidence, and this is a key to progress.

These approaches can definitely be duplicated for British expats.

From your experience, what are the most important tools or platforms that help seniors stay connected with family and friends? Would you recommend these for British expats trying to keep in touch with loved ones in the UK?

The most used tool by seniors to stay in touch with their family is the WhatsApp application, which allows them to see each other via video, write or call, free of charge worldwide. In addition to this application, seniors increasingly use Facebook and Messenger to get news about their friends and family.

I thoroughly recommend these tools to expats; they are perfectly suited to their needs.

Are there any trends or tools that have been particularly helpful for the seniors you work with in France that you think British retirees in France could also benefit from?

For example, there are very useful applications for seniors to manage their health. There is also a 100% voice-activated telephone perfectly adapted to the visually impaired or people suffering from AMD.

What advice would you give British retirees in France who want to feel more confident using technology but need help figuring out where to start?

They need individual digital support. As a professional, I quickly identify their needs and what will help them on a daily basis, and I propose a tailor-made program to help them.

Given your experience, how do you think technology has changed how seniors in France live, and do you think British expats could experience similar benefits?

Technology has helped strengthen seniors’ social bonds and break their isolation. They can now communicate easily with their families or register on sites that allow them to do activities and build friendships with other seniors in their neighbourhoods. Some also ask me to register them on dating sites dedicated to seniors. British expatriates could benefit from the same advantages since they generally have the same expectations as French seniors.

Finally, what are some easy-to-use tools or tips you recommend for seniors to make their daily lives easier with technology, which might also apply to British retirees living in France?

A straightforward tip for password management: a notebook with alphabetical keys that allows you to write down all your passwords and find them quickly sorted by order. The common mistake is to use the same password everywhere to remember it, which is inadvisable for obvious security reasons. The other mistake is to write them down scattered on pieces of paper, which you can’t find when you need them.

Although Isabelle’s services are primarily in French and based in La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime), her insights into tech support for seniors are incredibly valuable. If you have any questions or need more information about how to support elderly family members with technology, please get in touch with her directly or us at Ticup. As a bilingual company, we can help bridge the gap and connect you with Isabelle’s expertise. We’re here to assist you every step of the way!

Isabelle Cantin

Cours d’informatique Séniors 17
La Rochelle
t: 07 68 84 07 41
e: info@coursinformatique-seniors.fr
w: www.coursinformatique-seniors.fr