Tech-savvy resident Ruth wins Anchor award for continually striving to learn new skills

A Bradford resident has been named Avid Learner as part of a national awards celebrating living in later life.

Ruth Rowlands, resident of Hanover Close retirement scheme, won Loving Later Life Resident Awards in the Avid Learner category for taking the time to learn a new skill and increase her knowledge.

The Loving Later Life Resident Awards recognise the achievements of people living in later life and residents who make a real difference at their Anchor locations. A Resident Judging Panel chose winners from over 160 nominations across six categories. Winners were announced by Anchor’s Chief Executive, Jane Ashcroft CBE, at our Wellbeing Fayre and received certificates to acknowledge their win, as well as £100 in gift vouchers each.

Ruth was nominated for her increased knowledge and use of technology. Beginning her learning journey in 2018, Ruth completed an IT course after never using a computer before and was named star pupil by her instructor. Through the course, Ruth became more tech-savvy as she was introduced to social media, YouTube and e-mail. Thanks to her new knowledge, she was able to keep in contact with relatives and neighbours throughout the pandemic.

Driven by Ruth’s drive to learn and the technological advances fellow resident, Maria Austin, nominated her for the award. Maria said:

Ruth is so inspiring to all who know her! She has been so passionate about learning more about technology and shows that age has no barriers to learning something new. I’m very fortunate to have her as my neighbour. She speaks well of everybody and never fails to have a cheerful smile on her face.

Ruth is originally from Grimsby and moved to Lincolnshire when she was five years old. In 1941, when her father joined the army, Ruth and her family moved to Bradford where she has been ever since. Ruth has lived at Hanover Close for nearly 10 years.

Ruth was thrilled to win the award and said

I didn’t think I was that clever and really didn’t expect to win the award. It’s absolutely marvellous and I am loving learning more about computers and the internet!

Embarking on her next stage of learning, Ruth has just received her first smartphone and is looking forward to becoming even more tech- savvy in the new year.