Older Adults Master Technology

For many older adults, learning how to use new technology can be frustrating. But Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, an organization that helps seniors learn to live in a digital world, is helping NYCHA seniors overcome frustrations and become technology pros by teaching them how to use their smartphones, tablets, and laptops. 

Through a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (MOCTO), the NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA), and NYCHA, OATS provides NYCHA residents with Senior Planet classes that cover technology basics, digital arts and crafts, and much more (like the “Android Essentials” course, which teaches them how to send and receive emails, safely search the internet, download and use apps, take photos, and use Zoom for video calls). 

NYCHA resident Glendora Israel said she enrolled in the class for several reasons, but one was because “my grandchildren said that if I didn’t get with the game, I’d get left behind. I was afraid of the computer, cell phone, and tablet for the whole year. I made up my mind to join this class, and I’m so thankful to everyone involved for getting us seniors to take a step forward.” 

There are many other residents who are also logging in to the Senior Planet classes. OATS recently held two virtual graduation ceremonies to recognize the success of its participants: in December for 66 NYCHA graduates and in March for 77 NYCHA graduates, all of whom were pleased about being more connected to their family and friends through their devices.    

December participant Ruth David said: “I had absolutely no knowledge about how these devices worked, but since joining the classes I feel like a pro navigating. I am so much more knowledgeable about how to use my tablet, my cell phone, and even a computer. I’ve learned how to search for important information and download music and games. I can stay in contact with my family and friends more than I did in the past, and I now conduct an online game night once a month for my family and friends.” 

During the virtual celebration, many of the participants reflected on their time in the class and how their experiences with Senior Planet technology trainers were different from when their family or friends tried to teach them. Participant Gwen McGowan-French said she was “thankful for our teachers who have this patience for us as if we were young people. You could ask them any question, and they didn’t care how long it took, they would just explain.” 

In addition to Android Essentials, OATS offers additional Senior Planet classes for NYCHA residents, in both English and Spanish, including a more intermediate class on Android and classes on using Canva and Zoom. OATS also recently partnered with DFTA to add a focus on wellness to the classes, by offering nutrition programs and guest speakers on topics such as hearing health and pain management. 

Maria Gomez, a March graduate, participated in classes given in Spanish: “I’m very thankful for what I’ve already learned, and already registered for more classes. Growing up I only got to a fourth-grade education, so seeing how much I’ve advanced now makes me look forward to these classes and look forward to learning period. I emailed my two daughters what I did in the Canva class and they both said, ‘Whoa, you know more about technology than we do.’ These classes have given me life.” 

Her classmate Fernanda Thompson agreed: “I’m thankful for Senior Planet for giving us this opportunity to go to class. My problem was always the Spanish part, but I really bow down to you for giving the classes in Spanish. Your instructors are so patient. My first language is Spanish, and with these classes you brought me back to learning. Thank you for thinking about us seniors.” 

NYCHA seniors who received free tablets from the City and would like to sign up for a class or get help should call the Senior Planet Technology Hotline at 929-356-2005. For more resources, visit seniorplanet.org/nycha. To learn more about OATS, visit oats.org.