Helping seniors get some cyber-savvy

Program provides devices, internet connection, technical education

Participants in the University of Rhode Island’s Engaging Generations Cyber-Seniors program have shown statistically significant improvements in digital competence, technology use, quality of life, and in strengthening social bonds. 

The program has helped participants feel more connected to their communities, increase contact with family and friends, and generally improve their feelings of well-being and overall health.

The findings are the result of surveys taken by participants before and after the program, which aimed to increase digital competency in older adults, especially while the COVID-19 pandemic limited their contact with others. 

The program provides participants with smart devices like iPads, wireless internet hotspots, if needed, and the training and technical support they need to access online resources, work and meet remotely, and virtually communicate with family and friends. 

The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging funded the URI study as part of its digiAGE initiative to implement and evaluate the pilot program, providing devices and hotspots to diverse older adults from communities hit hardest by COVID-19. URI partnered with five community organizations to recruit and support English- and Spanish-speaking adults 50 years old and older, with the average age being 72. 

URI students provided technology training through individualized phone calls, Zoom meetings, or in-person appointments. Weekly Zoom meetings shared technology and community resource information while also creating a community among participants.

“Our team at URI was thrilled to offer this intergenerational program to provide students meaningful service learning and internship experience and to improve digital inclusion among the older population,” said Skye Leedahl, associate professor of human development & family science and director and principal investigator of the URI Engaging Generations program. 

“This program is unique in that it meets an important community need for older adults while also building career readiness skills for future professionals. Both generations learn from each other, and they seem to have fun, too!”

“The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging is extremely proud of this partnership with the University of Rhode Island’s Engaging Generations Cyber-Seniors program,” said Director Maria Cimini. 

“This program offers learning and socialization opportunities for older Rhode Islanders. By improving technology skills, this program improves quality of life. Dr. Leedahl and her students have done great work through this program to help bridge the digital divide here in Rhode Island.”

Participants were asked to meet their assigned student mentor regularly for two to three months and complete pre- and post-surveys, as well as phone interviews in order to keep their iPads and retain internet connection through the year of the program. Based on their analyses, researchers discovered participants’ use of technology, as well as their digital competence and comfort level using the devices, increased significantly. 

More than 76 percent of participants reported daily usage of an iPad after having previously never used such a device. Their competence levels — especially using video calls, obtaining information from public authorities or public services, seeking health information, and being able to participate in a telehealth appointment — improved significantly. Many reported feeling less isolated and less lonely after learning how to connect via the devices.

“It has helped me because now I can be involved with other people who are using the tablet or the phone and be in the conversation,” one participant reported. “Before, I just had to sit there, and I didn’t know anything was going on. Now, I can participate.”

“It actually has impacted my mental wellbeing because with FaceTime, I have a friend, my best friend who lives far away, and I was able to see her for the first time in two years, that made me feel really good,” another participant said.

Overall, most participants reported that they were content with what they learned and now felt prepared to complete tasks and use technology on their own said Leedahl, who presented the study at the Gerontological Society of America Scientific Meeting in Indianapolis, IN, in November 2022. 

Still, most said they would like to continue with technical support not only to continue learning, but also to continue the connections they’ve made with their student mentors and fellow participants.

“This provides evidence that the URI Cyber-Seniors digiAGE iPad pilot program positively influences quality of life, social isolation, and loneliness for participants in the program,” Leedahl concluded. 

“We are now working to implement the program statewide, and there is great interest in the program across the state. We will continue to examine participant experiences to compare to the pilot study.”

URI’s Cyber-Seniors program improving digital competency, social connections for older adults expanding statewide

Program provides devices, internet connection, technical education

Participants in the University of Rhode Island’s Engaging Generations Cyber-Seniors program have shown statistically significant improvements in digital competence, technology use, quality of life, and in strengthening social bonds. The program has helped participants feel more connected to their communities, increase contact with family and friends, and generally improve their feelings of well-being and overall health.

The findings are the result of surveys taken by participants before and after the program, which aimed to increase digital competency in older adults, especially while the COVID-19 pandemic limited their contact with others. The program provides participants with smart devices like iPads, wireless internet hotspots, if needed, and the training and technical support they need to access online resources, work and meet remotely, and virtually communicate with family and friends. 

The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging funded the URI study as part of its digiAGE initiative to implement and evaluate the pilot program, providing devices and hotspots to diverse older adults from communities hit hardest by COVID-19. URI partnered with five community organizations to recruit and support English- and Spanish-speaking adults 50 years old and older, with the average age being 72. URI students provided technology training through individualized phone calls, Zoom meetings, or in-person appointments. Weekly Zoom meetings shared technology and community resource information while also creating a community among participants.

“Our team at URI was thrilled to offer this intergenerational program to provide students meaningful service learning and internship experience and to improve digital inclusion among the older population,” said Skye Leedahl, associate professor of human development & family science and director and principal investigator of the URI Engaging Generations program. “This program is unique in that it meets an important community need for older adults while also building career readiness skills for future professionals. Both generations learn from each other, and they seem to have fun, too!”

“The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging is extremely proud of this partnership with the University of Rhode Island’s Engaging Generations Cyber-Seniors program,” said Director Maria Cimini. “This program offers learning and socialization opportunities for older Rhode Islanders. By improving technology skills, this program improves quality of life. Dr. Leedahl and her students have done great work through this program to help bridge the digital divide here in Rhode Island.”

Participants were asked to meet their assigned student mentor regularly for two to three months and complete pre- and post-surveys, as well as phone interviews in order to keep their iPads and retain internet connection through the year of the program. Based on their analyses, researchers discovered participants’ use of technology, as well as their digital competence and comfort level using the devices, increased significantly. More than 76 percent of participants reported daily usage of an iPad after having previously never used such a device. Their competence levels — especially using video calls, obtaining information from public authorities or public services, seeking health information, and being able to participate in a telehealth appointment — improved significantly. Many reported feeling less isolated and less lonely after learning how to connect via the devices.

“It has helped me because now I can be involved with other people who are using the tablet or the phone and be in the conversation,” one participant reported. “Before, I just had to sit there, and I didn’t know anything was going on. Now, I can participate.”

“It actually has impacted my mental wellbeing because with FaceTime, I have a friend, my best friend who lives far away, and I was able to see her for the first time in two years, that made me feel really good,” another participant said.

Overall, most participants reported that they were content with what they learned and now felt prepared to complete tasks and use technology on their own said Leedahl, who presented the study at the Gerontological Society of America Scientific Meeting in Indianapolis, IN, in November 2022. Still, most said they would like to continue with technical support not only to continue learning, but also to continue the connections they’ve made with their student mentors and fellow participants.

“This provides evidence that the URI Cyber-Seniors digiAGE iPad pilot program positively influences quality of life, social isolation, and loneliness for participants in the program,” Leedahl concluded. “We are now working to implement the program statewide, and there is great interest in the program across the state. We will continue to examine participant experiences to compare to the pilot study.”

Program aims to bridge the digital divide among three community groups

Published 12/12/2022  BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

Free iPads are available to San Benito County residents who are 60 years or older, have disabilities or are family caregivers.

The Aging & Disability Resource Connection of San Benito County began distributing over 4,000 free iPads complete with data plans to people over 60, individuals living with a disability, and family caregivers through a new program sponsored by the California Department on Aging. The program aims to reduce the feelings of loneliness and isolation among the target groups and provide them with better access to resources and information.

The free iPads are being provided as part of an executive order issued in August 2020 by Gov. Gavin Newsom that is intended to improve download speeds within the state and bridge the digital divide for those who lack broadband access. 

The program is administered locally by the Aging & Disability Resource Connection of San Benito County. 

“The program was planned out during the pandemic to get the target groups more involved and connected,” said Program Coordinator Leanne Oliveira. “We started signing people up last summer, but it has just been activated. And I think that most people know someone who would qualify.” 

Priority is being given to older, low-income individuals as well as Indigenous or people of color who have the greatest need. However, no one will be excluded from the program just because they are not in one of these groups.

“The way it works is that people sign up with me, then I connect them with the state,” Oliveira said. “They get a phone call where they get asked questions to determine their eligibility and their level of need. If they qualify, they get their iPads.”

The screening questions are also designed to determine the applicant’s current level of computing skills and whether they already have internet access and a computer or tablet. If they qualify, the applicant receives a Generation 8 iPad with a free data plan. 

Anonymous usage data is gathered by the program to better understand how older adults use the device and track their challenges and successes. The program managers will also be able to monitor whether the device stops being used for significant amounts of time or is sold or given away.

Florence Yturralde of Tres Pinos has received her iPad and is eagerly awaiting the start of the lessons. With no previous experience with an Ipad and isolated from a family that does not live in the county, she was a model candidate.

“I don’t know if Leanne had to go through a lot of trouble to get it for me,” she said. “I didn’t have to do much besides waiting for it to arrive. I applied because everybody has one, and I wanted to know how to use it. I thought how neat it would be to use it to take pictures when I visit my family. And I would have something to see them on when they send me pictures.” 

Yturralde said she had some difficulties at first when turning the iPad off presented a challenge. But said she has been using Facebook a little and is looking forward to the start of instructional programs next month, which will be conducted by Cyber-Seniors, an online organization providing free support and training for senior citizens. 

The Cyber-Seniors site includes instructional videos on computer skills, one-on-one mentoring appointments and webinars on subjects besides computers, such as guided meditation and reducing senior health risks like dementia. While there will be special programs available for iPad recipients, all seniors are welcome to access the educational materials on the site without charge.

“With their iPads, the recipients will have access to an entire world of information and interaction,” Oliveira said. “They will not only learn basic computer skills, but they will be able to use their iPads to travel the world through virtual city tours, take yoga classes and expand their activities to make them feel more involved with the world around them.”

To apply for the program, contact Oliveira at (888) 637-6757.

Aura Partners with Cyber-Seniors to Combat Fraud

Aura and Nonprofit Cyber-Seniors Announce Partnership to Combat Disproportionate Rates of Fraud Among Older Adults

The partners will launch a Cybersecurity Hub and digital safety trainings for seniors and caregivers in 2023

BOSTON, Nov. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Aura, the leader in intelligent safety for consumers, today announced a partnership with Cyber-Seniors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering older adults with technology training and intergenerational support that keeps them socially connected and engaged. Aura will partner with Cyber-Seniors to reduce the disproportionate impact of digital crime, scams and financial fraud targeting older Americans.

The partnership announcement comes just in time for National Family Caregivers Month and Giving Tuesday. Aura will work with Cyber-Seniors to provide monthly events for seniors and their caregivers around cybersecurity and digital protection, as well as a cybersecurity resource hub on Cyber-Seniors’ website. This builds upon Aura’s existing support of the senior community with 25% off Aura plans and in-depth digital security guides for adults 60 and older.

According to the FBI, older adults experience median losses up to 16 times those of other age groups. In fact, in 2021, Americans 60 and older reported nearly 100,000 incidents costing them $1.7 billion — a 74% increase from 2020.

“Although cybercrime is an issue that affects all Americans at increasing levels every year, seniors are among those most vulnerable to scams, fraud and other types of digital attacks,” said Aura Founder and CEO Hari Ravichandran. “Often, this community holds more wealth than other age groups and may have less familiarity with new technologies and tools, making them attractive targets for scammers and cybercriminals. Together with Cyber-Seniors, Aura will empower older adults and their caregivers with the tools, resources and information necessary to protect against identity theft and fraud.”

Aura’s all-in-one, online security solutions proactively keep individuals and their families safe from identity theft, financial fraud, and online scams and threats. As the leader in intelligent safety solutions, Aura’s one-of-a-kind subscription service brings together security, privacy and parental controls into a single app. Aura’s technology is easy to use, simple to set up, and comes with 100% U.S.-based customer support that is available 24/7. All subscription plans are backed with $1,000,000 in identity theft insurance for peace of mind.¹

Cyber-Seniors offers seniors and their caregivers both in-person and digital resources, as well as trainings, to help empower families and communities through technology.

“Cybersecurity and online safety are among the most frequently requested topics by our audience,” said Cyber-Seniors Co-Founder and President Brenda Rusnak. “The rates of fraud and scams affecting seniors continues to increase, and Cyber-Seniors is thrilled to work with Aura to expand the resources, tools and training we offer our users in protecting their personal information, finances and families from an ever-evolving list of digital threats.”

For more information on digital safety for seniors, and to access Aura’s 25% off senior discount, visit aura.com/60plus. 

About Aura

Aura, the leader in intelligent safety solutions, provides all-in-one digital protection for consumers. We understand that the online safety needs of each individual are unique and require a personalized solution. By bringing together security, privacy and parental controls on an intelligent platform, Aura makes adaptive and proactive digital safety accessible to everyone. Visit www.aura.com.

¹ Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions

SOURCE Aura

For further information: Shelby Powers, shelby.powers@aura.com

CYBER SENIORS IS CONNECTING THE OLDER GENERATION WITH MORE THAN JUST TECHNOLOGY

Lexington, Kentucky (August 4, 2022) — With the internet continuously growing, it is more important than ever to have access to the tools it has to offer. This means making connectivity for all a big priority, including for those age 55 and older. Though they didn’t grow up with it, seniors are purchasing tech products at an increasing rate. According to the California Mobility Center, “51% of seniors report purchasing a tech product within the past year.”

Why is this the case?

Many seniors struggle with isolation due to health problems and other limitations. For many older Americans, the internet is the only way they interact with others. This has only been magnified since the pandemic.

Alice Gross is one of those seniors. After her husband died, she struggled with social isolation. Going online and connecting with the Cyber Seniors program helped her feel less alone.

“I find Cyber Seniors profoundly valuable,” Alice says. “There are always outlets to use, and it has connected me to entertainment and education.”

Connected Nation talked with Kascha Cassaday of Cyber Seniors to learn more about how the nonprofit is helping seniors like Alice get the tech-related help they need. The organization’s tech-savvy teen volunteers are trained in many areas of technology and internet usage, including email, social media, and more. They visit retirement homes and assisted living centers, and provide seniors with one-on-one lessons.

Cyber Seniors offers a variety of services and programs to make learning the internet easy. Not only that, the organization helps seniors stay social through online trivia nights and daily webinars.

For those of us who grew up with technology, the internet may seem like common sense. But to an older person who is brand new to it, navigating the web can be very challenging, says Kascha.

If you’re helping parents and grandparents learn how to use Google or Facebook for the first time, she adds, “Be patient. Think about when you were learning something new, and how frustrating it can be.”

The biggest obstacles for the older generation getting connected to the internet are affordability and access. Broadband internet service can be very expensive, and not everyone can afford it. This becomes a disadvantage in getting jobs, accessing telehealth, and other opportunities like socializing. That’s why it is so important to bridge the Digital Divide and create opportunities for all.

Cyber Seniors is making access easier for older Americans by offering a toll-free number for tech help, and webinars for additional guidance. All steps are taken to make these resources are as efficient and helpful as possible.

With everything from shopping to banking to medical care online today, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury and shouldn’t be treated as one. It’s also a critical resource for staying in touch with family and friends. Getting older can be lonely, and it is up to all of us to make it less so. You can help seniors in your life use the internet efficiently and make a difference!

Sources: https://californiamobility.com/21-senior-technology-statistics/

About the Author: Isabel Pedersen is one of Connected Nation’s Communications and Marketing Interns. Isabel provides support to the Communications division of Connected Nation. Isabel also assists with writing, company blogs and social media posting, website editing, and bringing creativity to new and existing communications materials.

Human Development and Family Science professor to be recognized as Fellow in Gerontological Society of America

KINGSTON, R.I. — June 13, 2022 — Recognized for her “outstanding contributions to the field of gerontology,” Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science Skye Leedahl is being inducted as a Fellow for the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), the nation’s largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging.

Leedahl is being honored as a Fellow in two sections of the society — the Academy of Gerontology in Higher Education and Social Research, Policy, and Practice. Just 36 others from across the country will be recognized for 2022. Leedahl will be formally recognized during GSA’s Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held Nov. 2-6 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“I’ve been a member since I was a graduate student, and GSA quickly became my professional home where I found people who were really interested in the same research as me,” Leedahl said. “I always remember thinking how amazing the GSA fellows are; it was always something I was striving to become. And when I learned I was chosen, I was excited to reach this big goal of mine.”

GSA Fellows have attained peer recognition for “outstanding contributions to the field of gerontology and represent the highest class of GSA membership.” The distinction comes at varying points in a person’s career and is given for diverse activities that include research, teaching, administration, public service and practice.

Leedahl’s work is focused on improving quality of life and health for older adults at multiple levels. Her research fits within three themes: intergenerational programming and its impacts on ageism, interest in working with older adults, and digital inclusion and social connectedness for older adults; social integration and health for older adults; and state and community-level policy initiatives.

Among her most public projects is the URI Cyber-Seniors digiAGE Initiative — a partnership among the URI College of Health Sciences, the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and RI Housing — which aims to increase digital literacy in older adults. Also known as “URI Cyber-Seniors,” the program has been supported by more than $500,00 in grant funding from such organizations as the Office of Healthy Aging, RI Housing and the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, among others. A pilot research study provided participants with smart devices like iPads, wireless internet hotspots, and the training they need to access online resources, work and meet remotely, and virtually communicate with family and friends. URI students and faculty members visit senior centers and senior housing complexes around the state, and provide continuing tech support and training at no cost to participants.

“Our team at URI is thrilled to offer this intergenerational program to improve digital inclusion among the older population, especially for older adults from areas hardest hit by the pandemic,” Leedahl has said. “We’re trying to make Rhode Island and URI a leader in the intergenerational technology research space. I think what we’re doing here is pretty unique, and we’ve been able to make it a sustainable program and take it statewide. So a next step is to complete research publications and disseminate the information to learn from our experience so we can help other states and universities do something similar.”

Cyber Seniors program looks to counter ‘digital injustice’

By Mary Byrne

Staff Writer

GREENFIELD — After watching “Cyber Seniors,” a documentary about a group of senior citizens navigating the digital world for the first time with the help of teenage mentors, Judy Raper wanted to find a way to bring a similar program to the region. 

“I think it was clear during the pandemic that older adults were struggling to connect because they’re not digital natives,” said Raper, associate dean of community engagement at Greenfield Community College. “I call it digital injustice; they weren’t able to access technology in the ways that people who grew up with it could.”

After watching the documentary, Raper called the producer to see how she could make the program happen locally. The program itself — Cyber Seniors — is global, and seniors can sign up through the online system to connect with a younger individual for technological assistance. 

“What I wanted to do was get some regional youth trained to make sure … (seniors) are assigned to youths in our region,” Raper said. 

To find potential volunteers, Raper said she reached out to area high schools, students at GCC, and to Dave Garappolo, youth and family director at Franklin County’s YMCA, who is working closely with Raper to make the program possible. 

Although her outreach didn’t result in as many individuals as she’d hoped, about 20 people are being trained to be volunteers for the program, she said, many of whom are involved in the Teen Leaders Club at the YMCA.

“It’s a natural fit, because we have a lot of seniors here,” explained Garappolo, who runs the Teen Leaders Club. “We’ve upgraded our online registration platform … and a lot of seniors have difficulty with that. We’re going to open up a service where teen leaders will be able to help senior members navigate the online platform, to register for classes and help with anything they need.”

Garappolo said the teens involved have completed three of the five training sessions, where they are learning how to work with senior citizens and the terminology to use. Once they’ve completed the training, they’ll be able to help seniors — virtually or in person — do everything from setting up a Wi-Fi connection to navigating their own social media pages.

To keep the program free to the public, Raper said Greenfield Community College will absorb the cost. So far, she has paid $1,000 from her budget to cover the cost of training, provided by Cyber Seniors. The entire program can cost up to $3,000 per year, depending on the features provided.

The launch of the Cyber Seniors program will take place at the YMCA at 451 Main St. on Thursday, May 7, at 11 a.m., where seniors will have a chance to learn more about the program and how they can sign up, as well as bring in any pieces of technology they have questions about. 

Prior to that, on Wednesday, March 30, at 4:30 p.m., the public is welcome to attend a free viewing of “Cyber Seniors” documentary at the Garden Cinemas, 361 Main St. 

Those who want to participate in the program at the YMCA are strongly encouraged to RSVP through the registration page on GCC’s website (gcc.mass.edu/events/cyber-seniors-launch/). Registration is not required for the March 30 film screening.

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne

Niagara’s older residents encouraged to share stories for new regional initiative

BY CHAD ELLIS | MAR 1, 2022

PHOTO BY: BRETT JORDAN FROM UNSPLASH

Residents in the Niagara Region are being encouraged to submit and share their stories and life experiences on a weekly basis as part of a new regional initiative. These stories will be used to aid research that is being done locally on the impact that isolation has had on residents over the past two years.

This initiative, known as the Niagara Stories project, is the outcome of a collaboration between Cyber-Seniors Niagara and McMaster University, who will be completing the research component of the project.

Cyber-Seniors is a non-profit organization that teaches elderly residents how to utilise and engage with technology and social platforms. Young volunteers are given courses and educational exercises to assist in guiding these residents, and they serve as digital mentors for them. Senior residents who participate in the organization’s programs have access to technology training as well as opportunities to participate in projects that keep them socially connected and involved. 

Participants in the initiative will be able to meet virtually on Zoom each Thursday from now until September of this year between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to share and discuss their stories or life experiences. These stories do not have any precise criterion that must be met, and they can take any number of forms, once participants are comfortable sharing and do not divulge sensitive information.

Despite being open to anybody, the project’s focus is on giving older residents in particular the platform to share their stories. Those who tell their stories at the sessions will be able to receive responses from every other participant, if they so wish, which Cyber-Seniors Niagara believes will spark dialogue and make the region’s older residents feel more involved. Residents who choose to participate will be under no obligation to attend each and every meeting and may engage in the project at their leisure.

Aside from the possibility to share these stories, there are additional incentives for participants, particularly seniors. The initiative will provide a chance for these residents to gain a number of technical skills, which have become crucial to have as virtual spaces and platforms have become more widely used in recent years. 

At the same time, Cyber-Seniors Niagara is enlisting the assistance of student volunteers to become digital mentors to these seniors, which is the core purpose of Cyber-Seniors. Ideally, these youth volunteers, who have more technological experience than the senior residents, will help facilitate the sharing of their stories by teaching them how to use virtual meeting platforms or even assist the storytellers in sharing their stories through other creative mediums. 

The research that is being done during the course of the project is looking at how sharing these experiences affects the emotions of loneliness and isolation that many seniors describe feeling. McMaster’s research will also look into how people express their emotions via stories and verbally shared experiences.

While this study is certainly valuable, the major purpose of Cyber-Seniors Niagara in undertaking this joint endeavour with McMaster is the local community-building element that the initiative will provide. The organization hopes that the Niagara Stories initiative will benefit the region’s older residents in a variety of ways and will provide the groundwork for similar future endeavours. 

Those interested in participating or volunteering in the initiative are invited to phone 905 329 3124 or visit the Cyber-Seniors Niagara website.

Niagara Stories Project to explore storytelling and isolation

Partnership will promote sharing of stories and provide data for McMaster research

By Luke Edwards NiagaraThisWeek.com

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Everyone has a story, what’s yours?

A new project being run through a partnership of McMaster University, the Seniors’ Computer Lab Project, and Cyber-Seniors’ Connected Communities Niagara will give residents of Niagara a chance to share their stories, while at the same time providing valuable data for research being conducted on isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our spheres have become so limited, even if we do try to be active, even if we do go out, you know, over the last two years, everybody’s circle has become much smaller,” said Nancy Siciliana, organizer for the Niagara Stories project.

The research component of the project is looking at the impact storytelling has on the feelings of isolation that have only been exacerbated by the pandemic. It will also study how people express this experience through language.

While that work is important, Siciliana said the local community building they’re hoping to accomplish is also important. In it, participants will be able to meet once a week and share stories. 

Siciliana said those stories can go in any number of directions, from how someone ended up in Niagara, to what the region was like years ago or specific memories from a person’s youth or childhood.

Siciliana believes everyone has something they could share.

“I really do think that we’re a lot more interesting than anything on television,” she said.

Those stories will be used by McMaster researchers in their study.

There will be other spin-off benefits as well, she said. Though open to anyone, the project is focusing on the stories of older adults. With the project, Siciliana said they can also teach tech skills to people in the region, skills that have become even more important during the pandemic.

At the same time, they’re also incorporating the help of students to become tech mentors. Younger, more technologically savvy people can help share the stories by teaching them how to use platforms like Zoom, or even help the storytellers share their stories through different media like podcasts or videos.

Each Thursday between 6 and 7:30 p.m. participants will be able to meet and discuss their stories.

“They’ll be able to present their stories and get feedback from every other participant, which will generate conversation, particularly if they’re writing about personal experiences of any kind,” Siciliana said, adding she hopes it stokes the flames of creativity and inspires more stories to be shared.

The meetings began last week and continue through the end of September. 

“You don’t have to come each and every meeting. If you’re inspired and you want to take part, jump in. You can start at any time. You can leave it any time. You can submit as many stories as you wish. And really, it’s about your life story,” she said.

For more information on the program or for seniors or students who’d like to get involved, contact Siciliana at nancy.siciliana@theseniorscomputerlab.org or call 905-329-3124. You can also visit cyberseniors.org/seniors-services. Even people without their own devices are encouraged to reach out, as Siciliana said they may be able to provide one.

Luke Edwards is a reporter for Niagara this Week, covering north Niagara, and editor for Niagara Farmers’ Monthly. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.