2 • SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 • CAREGIVER
Dear Savvy Senior,
Can you recommend some good technology
classes or online learning resources for
inexperienced seniors? I have a computer
and a smartphone, but my knowledge
and skills are pretty limited.
— Tech Challenged Senior
Dear Senior,
There are many different technology teaching
tools available to older adults that can
help you learn new tech skills so you can
better utilize your devices. Here are some
good options to consider.
Local classes or workshops: Depending
on where you live, there may be community
resources that offer beginning computer and
personal technology classes, be it online or
in-person, for older adults that are new to
technology. To find out what’s available in
your area, contact your local public library,
senior center, college or university, or local
stores that sell computers. Your Area Agency
on Aging may also be able to help you. Visit
the Eldercare Locator at Eldercare.acl.gov
or call 800-677-1116 to get your local number.
GetSetUp.io: This is
one of the best online
learning websites that
partners with guides to
provide training on tech
tools for adults 50 and
older. They provide more
than 350 online classes
taught in real-time by retired educators and
tech industry experts in a way that lets older
adults learn-by-doing, versus just watching
a video.
Their technology classes — all taught via
Zoom — cover things like learning how to
use smartphones and tablets, how to set-up
and use Zoom, how to utilize Gmail features,
how to recognize online scams, how to sell
your stuff online and so much more. Most of
their classes are free, however some charge
a small fee.
SeniorPlanet.org: Created and sponsored
by national nonprofit OATS (Older Adults
Technology Services) and recently joining
forces with AARP, Senior Planet offers
60-and-older adults a wide variety of free
online courses, programs and activities that
are taught in real-time to help seniors learn
new technology skills, as well as save money,
get in shape and make new friends.
Some of their more popular tech classes
include “All Things Zoom,” “Everything
Smartphones,” and an “Introduction to Social
— tech discussion group” offered at various
times throughout the year where you can
ask questions as well as share your struggles
and experiences.
And, if you ever have a technology question
call their National Senior Planet Hotline for
tech help at 920-666-1959 anytime Monday
through Friday during working hours.
OasisEverywhere.org: This nonprofit
educational organization for older adults
provides more than 10 low-cost/free online
computer, internet and mobile technology
courses for beginners. And when the pandemic
beginner tech classes in their 27 locations (located
CandooTech.com: This company provides
WESTMORELAND
M A N O R
A Nurturing Environment
for Rehabilitation and
Long Term Care
Offering 24/7 Skilled Nursing Care
Media.” They even offer a “lunch & learn
that pops up during the week, you can
dies down, they will resume offering
in nine states) throughout the country.
fee-based online tech support and training
to help older adults feel more comfortable
with phones, computers, tablets, home safety
devices and more.
Their specially trained tech concierges
will teach you how to use your technology, fix
what’s not working and install software, as
well as learn how set up and use email, video
chat, social media, online shopping and entertainment,
They offer one-hour, one-on-one or small
group sessions for $50, or you can become
a member and get two 90-minute training
sessions plus unlimited quick support (30
minutes or less) for $180 per year. They also
provide device installation and set-up done
remotely for $180.
TechBoomers.com: This is a free educational
website that provides video and article
tutorials that teach older adults and other
inexperienced technology users how to use
the most popular and trusted websites, apps
and devices.
Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443,
Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a
contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The
Dr. Thomas DeGregory, Medical Director
Eagle Tree Independent Living Apartments in a Protective Environment
ride-sharing services and more.
Savvy Senior” book.
(724) 830-4022 • westmorelandmanor.org • 2480 South Grande Boulevard, Greensburg
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by JIM MILLER
SAVVY SENIOR
How seniors can learn new technology skills online
Jim Miller