Whether it’s shopping, connecting with a health care professional, getting from here to there, or staying in touch with loved ones, technology is an increasingly important tool for staying informed and independent in the modern world. For older adults there are some challenges to adopting technology: access, cost, knowing what to get, and of course, knowing and/or learning how to use it. Here are some important resources available to Contra Costa County residents that address these issues and more.
Technology Instruction
Community Tech Network (CTN)
Community Tech Network Our mission is to transform lives through digital equity. The ability to use digital tools to find, analyze, create, and communicate information is a critical skill for the survival and quality of life of people everywhere. We seek to improve the quality of life, the capacity, and the self-sufficiency of CTN’s learners, trainers, and our partner organizations https://communitytechnetwork.org/ Cost: Free. Available to All
Laura Long Technology Center
The Laura Long Technology Center at Ability Now Bay Area is one of the first in the country to be offered at a day program serving adults with disabilities. Our state-of-the-art Technology Center hosts thirty workstations equipped with adaptive hardware and software so a wide spectrum of individuals with cognitive and physical abilities can benefit from the classes taught here. Learning activities focus on the use of assistive technology to expand expressive and receptive communication through the development of computer skills and use of the Internet. https://abilitynowbayarea.org/staging/8133/programs-and-services/technology-center/ Cost: Free. Available to All
Noteworthy…Good to Know
The resources listed on CoCoElders411.net are provided by local non-profit and government organizations, sometimes there are resources that deserve to be mentioned even though they are not free or local.
- OATS from AARP – Requires an AARP membership
AARP has also joined forces with OATS (Older Adults Technology Services), a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the power of technology to help older adults improve their lives. AARP offers a variety of resources for assisting people 50-plus to stay tech savvy and organize their digital lives through their personal technology resource center.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) Updates
Artificial Intelligence is being used to benefit seniors in vital areas such as: health monitoring and assistance, medication management, social interaction and companionship, cognitive stimulation, daily living assistance, and increased independence. Free classes are available to teach older adults how to use AI to generate images, create text, and more. (Check our Learning & Leisure page for an updated list.)
Cyber Safety
Consumer Reports – Here’s a concise guide from Consumer Reports to prevent senior citizens from being scammed.
5 Ways to Stop Senior Citizen Scams – Consumer Reports
National Council on Aging (NCOA) published this guide to help older adults avoid phishing scams. What is “phishing”? Phishing is a type of internet hoax in which scammers use email and other methods to steal personal information, such as financial details or account passwords. This approach earned its unusual name because it uses attractive “bait” to lure people to websites and solicit their data under false pretenses.
How to Prevent Phishing Scams: A Guide for Seniors (ncoa.org)
Volunteer and Get Involved
Volunteer
Volunteers are always welcome at nonprofit organizations. Use the following links to see how you can help:
- Center for Elder Independence
- Elder Tech
- Public Health
Represent Elders
There are so many ways you can help older adults use technology effectively in their lives. First of all, we need lots of help in providing equitable access to tablets and computers and Internet. More importantly, older adults need help in learning to use technology. It’s an ongoing, many-faceted process that is a labor of love and compassion. Here’s how you can help.
- ACOA Technology Workgroup
- Seniors for Seniors
- CLEO
Got a resource to share? Use this form to send us information for a resource (website, poster, etc. from a local non-profit or government agency).
Disclaimer: This website is meant to be a useful starting point and is not an endorsement for the services listed. The site is not affiliated with ACOA, EHSD, or any other organization.