Imagine no longer being afraid of technology and having the ability to unlock a new world that makes it easier to connect with family and friends, gain infinite learning opportunities, access healthcare and many other resources at your fingertips.
Aging Ahead recognized that many older adults are faced with a dilemma—they did not grow up using the World Wide Web, yet in the current age of technological advances, they are feeling at risk of being left behind. As a result, we joined forces with the Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) and Hillsboro High School’s Jobs for America’s Graduates program (JAG) to launch a “Cyber-Seniors” course. The mission of Cyber-Seniors is to help bridge the digital divide and connect generations through technology.
According to a study provided by Cyber-Seniors, over 49 million North American adults do not use technology or internet in their day-to-day lives; conversely, young people under the age of 25 have grown up surrounded by a digital world and use technology in nearly all aspects of their lives. This is why Cyber-Seniors stands out—bridging the gap between two very different groups with different world views informs respect and empathy for both generations. As students gain confidence by learning how to share their knowledge of technology and seniors gain higher levels of comfort using technology, this intergenerational program was a win-win for all.
We paired students from JAG with older adults interested in learning about technology in the DeSoto area. Hillsboro High School’s JAG teacher, Sam Nansel, and the Project Development Coordinator with JFCAC, Kim Rodriguez, lead the 6-week program for the 19 students participating in the Cyber-Seniors program. Aging Ahead’s Community Program Specialist, Jean Sotomayor, and Development Assistant, Kerri Gallagher, focused on sensitivity training for the students and provided critical thinking exercises about working with older adults.
Students and seniors alike braved the cold and met at Jefferson College over the course of eight weeks to enjoy a healthy breakfast together and then get busy using technology in a fun and helpful setting. Frank Brown, an Aging Ahead meal delivery volunteer, sought to learn more about safely using his phone in the car.
“The kids taught me how to become more hands-free in the car, so I can concentrate on driving. I use the Maps app on my Meals on Wheels routes, and now I can take on new routes because I can easily get anywhere!”
-Frank Brown, MOWA Driver
As the older adults and students warmed up to each other, the veil of nervous timidity lifted and it became clear that both groups thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. Sarah Jackson, one of the student participants exclaimed, “Being involved in Cyber-Seniors was probably the best experience I have had this year. It became much more than teaching the seniors about technology. I genuinely became friends with Eileen (her assigned older adult), and we Snapchat each other almost every day!” Sarah and her partner Caleb Brooks worked together to mentor Eileen Forys, an enthusiastic retired teacher. Eileen expressed her gratitude for the experience stating, “Thanks to Caleb and Sarah, I learned how to use Snapchat and other social media to stay better connected with my granddaughter living in New York. They’ve taught me how to engage with my favorite 2020 candidates on Twitter, and I have even started writing a book of stories about my family using the Google Docs app!” Eileen continued by saying, “All of these students are so bright and respectful. They always made me feel competent and confident in class, and they made learning something new fun. Because of them, I’m no longer afraid of new technology.”
The Cyber-Seniors program graduation was held on March 20. Each student and older adult participant received a certificate for completing the program. Caleb Brooks, the student president of Hillsboro High School’s JAG program spoke about his experience saying, “This experience taught me so much. I hope all of my peers had the same experience I had, because I wouldn’t trade it for the world—it was absolutely awesome!”.
Aging Ahead and our partners plan to expand this program into other areas of Jefferson County! To learn more about Cyber-Seniors, contact Jean Sotomayor at (636) 207-4227, jsotomayor@agingahead.org.
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM
JAG mentors learned how to:
- Develop and customize lesson plans
- Effectively communicate technical jargon
- Make adjustments for sight and hearing
- Patiently repeat and enforce new ideas and exercises
- Actively listen and adapt teaching styles to match individual learning styles
Cyber-Seniors learned how to:
- Develop new curiosities about technology
- Use different social media platforms to better connect with friends and family
- Create, open, and send emails
- Effectively use phone features like navigation systems, vocal recognition, and tricks to accommodate hearing and sight inhibitions
- Take bold steps committing to learn a new skill