Star Technology Source

I have to start out by saying I am not a professional computer technician, I am just an older, not quite senior citizen that is concerned about the older population not being able to access and use today’s technology to be able to improve their lives. The items that are listed on my page are just a tip of the iceberg when it comes to technology. However, I wanted our older community a way to be better able to understand some of these products and how they can help them every day in regards to safety, social and family technology. I think seniors are starting to embrace some of the newer things that are available to them, they are just not sure how to use them. I am hopeful that this website will be an easy to understand way to have seniors be able to see what is out there AND how to use it. It doesn’t do enough good just to introduce them to new technology if they are unsure if they will be able to use it. According to the Washington Post, millions of older adults are newly motivated to get online and participate in digital technology after being stuck inside, hoping to avoid coronavirus, for more than a year. Many of these people have purchased new technology only to have it sit in their homes still in boxes because they are afraid they won’t know how to use them.  A survey from AARP conducted in September and October found that older adults boosted technology purchases but more than half (54%) said they needed a better grasp of the devices that they acquired. Nearly 4 in 10 (37%) admitted they were not confident about using these technologies. A retired hospital operating room attendant is among them. “Computers put the fear in me” she told them, “but this pandemic made me realize I have to make a change and get over that.” With their daughters help they plan to turn on their new computer and figure out how to use it by consulting materials from Generations on Line. This is an organization that specializes in teaching older adults about digital devices and navigating the Internet. They discovered it through a local publication for the elderly. Before the pandemic, Generations on Line provided free in-person training sessions at senior centers, public housing complexes, libraries and retirement centers. When those programs shut dow, it created an online curriculum for smartphones and tablets.
I am hoping to be able to post things that will make it easier for older adults to get used to the items and know how to use them. I think there are places that teach the basics on smartphones and tablets, but many do not have a place or a family member to help them one on one. I think a lot of older adults don’t even have access to the internet either due to location or how much it costs to have internet in the first place. If they are lucky enough to have Internet in their home, they will be able to access this web page to show them what is available along with free help on using these items to the best of my knowledge or where to go when they have questions or concerns about these devices. I will be researching and posting things I think will be helpful to this generation.