COLORADO SPRINGS — We depend on expertise in most features of our life and it is at all times altering. Many of our seniors are struggling to maintain up and it could restrict their potential to entry issues like healthcare, banking, housing, and even simply staying linked.

A partnership between Silver Key Senior Services and AARP is offering our native seniors a chance to work on their tech abilities in a pc lab without spending a dime with volunteers and specialists accessible to assist. It’s all about constructing confidence and a group they’ll discuss to about potential issues on-line.

”Most seniors, together with myself, we get in the home and we get snug, however when it comes time to doing one thing we now have to name in an professional to assist,” mentioned Maria Peterson, a senior residing in Colorado Springs. “I’d like to do it on my own.”

She is one among a number of native seniors who had the braveness to enroll in a expertise class within the new laptop lab at Silver Key in Colorado Springs.

”When you don’t use it you lose it. Technology is at all times altering and there are a number of stuff you’re going to get left behind in should you don’t attempt to sustain,” mentioned Peterson.

She says being on this classroom surrounded by fellow seniors who’re studying too is essential to her.

“There are some people in the class that haven’t touched a computer and I can turn over and say it’s going to be ok,” said Peterson.

These classes are made possible due to the partnership between Senior Planet AARP and Silver Key.

”There are almost 22 million older adults over the age of 65 that are not connected to the internet at all,” said Dayton Romero, who helps lead the effort for Older Adults Technology and Senior Planet from AARP.

AARP Colorado has worked hard to get more people access to the internet statewide, but with that access comes the need for affordable and accessible training like this.

”People pick up technology for different reasons, everyone has a different why of why they pick up the device. Those social impact areas align with things like health and wellness, creative expression, we also have another one which has to do with financial security,” said Romero.

Annie Hewitt is one of the leaders at Silver Key who has seen this class unlock doors for area seniors.

”Access to things like housing, mobile banking, social media, or even how to search for something on the internet,” she said.

Unfortunately being connected online also comes with the potential for scams, fraud, identity theft, and cybersecurity dangers, but this classroom setting is also providing a forum to have some of those tough conversations.

”Through this shared connection they’re able to identify what those threats are and be more open with each other about talking about them so they can safeguard themselves better against possible threats or scams or anything like that because they are talking to each other,” said Hewitt.

Peterson says when she finished the class she’s hopeful she’ll be more confident using her computer at home, but ultimately she’s building confidence here that will help her avoid trouble online.

”You just have to be mindful that there are people out there who are not so nice,” mentioned Peterson. “When you know better you do better.”

If you, or a senior in your life are interested by studying extra about these lessons and getting concerned each Silver Key and AARP OATS leaders offered these assets…

11/7/23 10:30-12pm: Staying Safe Online

11/14/23 10:30-12pm: Telemedicine: Online Health Resources

12/5/23 10:30-12pm: Money Matters

12/12/23- 10:30-12pm: Intro to Social Media: Facebook and Instagram

Sign Up Today!
Call: 719.884.2300
Email: info@silverkey.org

About OATS from AARP

Older Adults Technology Services(OATS) from AARP helps older

adults be taught to make use of and leverage expertise to remodel their

lives and their communities. Through its flagship program, Senior

Planet, OATS works carefully with older adults to create

extraordinary experiences in-person and on-line. As one among AARP’s

charitable associates, the mission of OATS from AARP is “to

harness the power of technology to change the way we age.” To

be taught extra, go to www.oats.org [oats.org] or comply with @OlderAdultsTech on social media.

About Senior Planet from AARP

Senior Planet from AARP is a group of individuals 60 and older

who’re studying to thrive within the digital world. Senior Planet

applications are provided freed from cost on-line and in-person at

Senior Planet places throughout the nation to assist older adults

construct expertise abilities to permit them to enhance their well being,

make new friendships, lower your expenses, and advocate of their

communities. Senior Planet curriculum consists of almost 100 multi-week programs, lectures, and workshops. To be taught extra, go to

www.seniorplanet.org [seniorplanet.org] or comply with @SeniorPlanet on social media.

Silver Key is the primary Senior Planet licensed website in Colorado Springs, one among 5, and we’re proud to associate with them to supply our world-class applications.

About the Senior Planet licensing program

The Senior Planet licensing program powerfully equips native

organizations throughout the nation with the instruments to assist seniors entry

expertise and use it to boost their lives. Through an adaptable

program mannequin, the licensing construction works with community-based

organizations to develop native trainers to ship Senior Planet’s

proprietary curriculum and produce world-class applications to older adults

the place they dwell.

Licensed companions might be any group that needs to ship

Senior Planet applications to older adults of their space. We presently

work with 300+ native libraries, senior facilities, and extra!

Learn extra and join updates at: oats.org/licensing [oats.org]

Senior Planet National Hotline

Over the Phone

For 1 on 1 expertise assist or questions, older adults can name the Senior Planet Hotline to talk with a expertise coach. Open Monday – Friday from 7am – 6pm MT: 888-713-3495

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