A west Louisville nonprofit and the city's only HBCU is teaching seniors digital skills. The Simmons Learning Center opened Wednesday at ElderServe in the Russell neighborhood. The seats for the technology hub's first cohort were filled with seniors eager to confront the fears of misusing technology head-on and equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to survive in the digital age. “Technology is really scary. I'm scared I'm going to press the wrong button,” said Eunice Johnson, who attended the inaugural workshop. In an effort to bridge the digital and generational gap, students from Simmons University in Kentucky will host free literacy workshops every two weeks. This goes beyond teaching seniors how to post on Facebook. They'll learn to confidently navigate mobile and computer devices, use Canva, Google and other popular apps, and order essential items like medicine and groceries online. “We know this isn't a moment for them, it's a lifetime thing,” says Simmons Technology Scholar Kamaria Young. “We can help them organize their social security, family photos, even artificial intelligence. They're interested in that too, and we feel this is a great opportunity.” The new digital resource for the adult daycare was launched on World Older People's Day to honor the wisdom and contributions of the more mature members of our community. The day celebrates the lives and legacy of older adults, but also raises awareness of the issues they face. “We understand social isolation and food insecurity,” says Timothy Findley Jr., CEO of ElderServe. “Even in our society, older adults are often underserved.” ElderServe reopened two years ago after it closed due to lack of funding. For the CEO of this nonprofit, keeping this lighthouse in the community open is a reminder to seniors and society of their own value. “Oh, we've really missed this place,” Johnson said. “This is our strength, this is my second home, so I love coming here and I'm grateful.” This technology hub is a reminder that it's never too late to learn. “It’s great that we’re helping seniors live a better life, a better quality of life,” said Simmons Technology Scholar LeRonda Kirby. “They have a sense of relief that they overcame something, so we know we did what we had to do.” The workshops are scheduled for the following dates in the fall 2024 semester: Aug. 21, Sept. 4, Sept. 18, Oct. 2, Oct. 16, Oct. 30 and Nov. 13. For more information and to register, contact Simmons University Kentucky’s Digital Teaching and Learning Center at 502-776-1443 or email [email protected].
Louisville, Kentucky —
A west Louisville nonprofit and the city's only HBCU are helping equip seniors with digital skills.
The Simmons Learning Centre opened its doors on Wednesday at ElderServe in the Russell area, and every seat in the technology hub's first batch was filled with seniors eager to confront their fears about the misuse of technology head-on and arm themselves with the knowledge and skills to survive in the digital age.
“Technology can be really scary because you're worried you're going to press the wrong button,” said Eunice Johnson, who attended the first workshop.
Hoping to bridge the digital and generational divide, students at Simmons University in Kentucky will be hosting free biweekly literacy workshops.
This goes beyond teaching seniors how to post on Facebook: they also learn how to confidently navigate mobile and computer devices, use popular apps like Canva, Google, and order essential items like medicines and groceries online.
“I know this won't just be a moment for them, it'll be a lifelong memory,” said Simmons Technology Researcher Kamaria Young. “We can help them with things like Social Security, family photos, and even sorting out artificial intelligence. They're interested in that too, and we feel this is a great opportunity.”
Adult Daycare's new digital resource was launched on World Day of Older People to celebrate the wisdom and contribution of more mature members of our community.
The day celebrates the lives and achievements of older people and also raises awareness of the issues facing older people.
“We understand social isolation and food insecurity,” said ElderServe CEO Timothy Findley Jr. “Support for older adults is often lacking in our society.”
ElderServe reopened two years ago after being closed due to lack of funding.
For the nonprofit CEO, keeping the lighthouse open in the community reminds seniors and society of their value.
“Oh man, I've really missed this place,” Johnson said. “This is our strength and it's my second home, so I love being here and I'm grateful.”
The Technology Hub is a reminder that it's never too late to learn.
“It's great that we were able to help them have a better life, a better quality of life,” said Simmons Technology Scholar LeRonda Kirby. “They had a sense of satisfaction afterwards that they had overcome something, so we knew we did what we set out to do.”
The workshops are scheduled to take place on the following dates in the Fall 2024 semester:
August 21st September 4th September 18th October 2nd October 16th October 30th November 13th
For more information or to register, please contact Simmons University of Kentucky’s Digital Teaching and Learning Center at 502-776-1443 or email [email protected].