Seniors Using More Technology Due to COVID-19
More seniors than ever before are using technology out of the necessity caused by COVID-19. Brickstone by St. John’s Resident Nancy DaMore was recently interviewed by News10 WHEC about her technology learning curve and the level of adoption she now enjoys because of time she invested to learn various technology tools.
“I have to say, my first order took me over two hours, which is frightening,” St. John’s independent living resident Nancy DaMore said.
St. John’s recognized this need for seniors to learn technology and has started a program that pairs senior resident technology experts in the independent living communities of St. John’s Meadows and Brickstone by St. John’s with their peers that may need a little more assistance.
In a recent survey completed by some St. John’s independent living residents, 60% felt like their use of technology was fair or poor, 57% have used Instacart, and 35% are using Uber or Lyft.
“As the pandemic started, we really felt that we really needed to add that increase layer of support,” St John’s Director of Resident Engagement Chantel Foster said.
This new program only launched this fall; however, according to Foster, there are many intial signs that it will be a huge benefit for residents.
One notable component of the program is the “train-the-trainer” lessons being offered to residents that will form the technology committee of peer supporters. This training is being conducted by Daniel Jones of Daniel Teaches, an independent consultant/instructor based in Rochester, NY that provides both private in-home one-on-one instruction, as well as small-size courses and seminars at various community centers, independent living, and assisted living communities.
Daniel Jones will also be partnering with St. John’s to offer a new virtual series of workshops entitled Technology Tuesdays, which are open to the public to register and are focused on helping seniors with technology basics like safety, online shopping, and using apps. Registration for the series is still open and can be accessed here. The first workshop of the three-part series will be held September 22, with the others following on two consecutive Tuesdays.
To view the media footage from the News10 WHEC story on technology at St. John’s , click here.