EDUCATION

Teaching Seniors New Tech Skills

WISE & Healthy Aging offers free training sessions

By Michele Robinson

For some older adults, bridging the digital divide can be a daunting task. With limited technology knowledge and resources, even the most basic computer skills may seem beyond their reach. Feeling left behind, these seniors need a place to go where they can enhance their digital competency. Luckily, now they can attend WISE Connections training at WISE & Healthy Aging. “With a two-year grant from the California Public Utilities Commission, we can now bring digital literacy to our audience,” said Nikki Davis, vice president of program administration. Due to this grant, WISE & Healthy Aging is offering free WISE Connections training to seniors (ages 50 and older.) The grant was awarded in June 2021 and started in January 2022. From there, staff had less than six months to get it up and running for an initial training start date on May 4. “It has been a learning experience for everyone on our staff who are implementing WISE Connections,” says Kelli Stauning, director of communications and grant management.

During the pandemic, learning how to use a computer became a necessity. People needed access to the internet to obtain essentials like groceries, medicine, banking and other basic supplies. They also needed access to email and video conferencing skills to connect with friends and family. Not having these fundamental skills led to isolation and loneliness.

“It is gratifying to teach older adults to join society,” Davis said. “It brings dignity to aging and makes them self-sufficient.”

One senior who has really benefited from attending these computer training sessions is Gaila Corrie, a longtime Santa Monica resident. For the past 11 years she has taken a variety of training courses at WISE & Healthy Aging, but finds the computer training particularly helpful.

“I am excited about learning,” Corrie said. “Before, the computer intimidated me. I am a lot more confident now. The computer training was the most important, it was a blessing.”

Originally from Florida, Corrie is now 81 years old and lives on her own in a local senior independent living facility. Because of her limited skills, she had to pay someone to set up her old computer so that she could access email, Zoom and other sites. She is taking the WISE Connections trainings to learn how to do it on her own.

“I need to learn how to do it myself,” Corrie said. “I don’t want to be dependent. I am still learning, but I want to be self-sufficient.”

The in-person training includes six core sessions with eight hours of instruction and runs at six-week intervals. The core trainings meet on Wednesdays or Thursdays, depending on the location. When taking these core trainings, seniors can learn a variety of skills including the basics, internet safety, and how to Zoom. Participants also have the option to choose from three elective trainings, which can include useful information like iPhone help, how to use Apps like Lyft with MODE (Mobility on Demand EveryDay– a transportation service by the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus in partnership with the rideshare company, Lyft) and Amazon Fresh with SNAP. These elective sessions start in the afternoons and the sessions

WISE & Healthy Aging brings digital literacy to senior citizens by offering free training sessions.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WISE & HEALTHY AGING

alternate between two convenient locations, one in Santa Monica (the main location) and the other in Baldwin Hills (in the Macy’s Oasis Storeroom). Prospective applicants can pick up an application at either location. With limited space available, each training is capped at 15 participants. Advanced sign-up is required and prospective participants should sign up as soon as possible because the trainings fill up quickly.As of now, the Santa Monica location is already booked through November. “These trainings have tremendous interest and we are currently at capacity at our Santa Monica location,” Stauning said. “There is so much need for older people who want to learn technology and push towards the 21st century.” Each training includes an instructor and volunteer/staff member to help with the hands-on training. The volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and include UCLA students and other adults who want to give their time to help. Nancy Spear, who owns a company called Nancy’s Tech Help, is a hired instructor who teaches three of the six trainings. Topics for her trainings include basic introduction to computing, Microsoft Word, and the internet. For her basic introduction training, she teaches seniors elemental skills like how to sit, turn on the computer and use a mouse. Some of these skills might be difficult for seniors with arthritis, so if they are struggling with the mouse, for example, she can offer them alternatives like using a trackpad instead. “Some people have never touched a computer and others are more advanced,” Spear said. For the Word training, she teaches them how to use the cursor (and make it bigger so they can easily see it), change the font, cut and paste. She encourages them to be creative and try different things. And for her internet training, she encourages them how to explore different websites such as the Natural History Museum and National Parks Service, and shows them how to use the menu bar. She also shares handouts for a scavenger hunt with websites like AARP, Medicare and other information that they might find useful. “I love how each desk has space for two people, the more advanced students can help the others,” Spear said. Seniors attending her training can earn a gold star, which is a big hit. “Everyone is happy and I’m grateful to be helping them,” Spear said. Corrie added,” I always feel great. I’m always learning something. These programs are wonderful.” When asked what Spear likes best about teaching these trainings, she said, "The students want to learn. They walk into the training smiling. They help each other. And they are grateful. And I am grateful, too. How lucky I am to teach older adults how to use their computers — it opens up a whole new world for them.” There is another perk, too. Due to a limited supply, seniors who qualify by meeting certain income standards and attend all of the six training sessions may receive a free laptop (HP Chromebook). Other advantages of these trainings include helping seniors learn new skills to improve their quality of life, making new friends, and bringing digital literacy skills to those who need it most. “I love WISE & Healthy Aging,” Corrie said. “It gives me a second home and a purpose because I have the opportunity to learn new things.” Davis seconds her praise for the programs at WISE & Healthy Aging. “Happy to be on the journey with you,” she said. “It is humbling and gratifying.”

WISE & Healthy Aging wiseandhealthyaging.org

Gaila Corrie is a longtime Santa Monica resident who has taken a variety of training courses at WISE & Healthy Aging over the past 11 years.