Girard Seniors Adapt to Smart Technology

June 16, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

By SARAH LEHR

GIRARD

The advent of smartphones, e-readers and tablets leaves some seniors feeling overwhelmed. “They’re worried they’re going to mess something up or press the wrong button,” said Christine Bridgens, program director at the Girard Multi-Generational Center.

The center partnered with AT&T to host a “Smartphones for Seniors” class Monday morning designed to help seniors feel more comfortable with smart devices. About a dozen people ranging from their 50s to their 80s attended the event. McDonald Mayor Glenn Holmes also attended.

Stephen Kristan, AT&T director of external affairs, taught the class and emphasized one principle above all: Do not be afraid.

He attempted to familiarize seniors with new technology by drawing analogies. For instance, he explained, “Using an e-reader is just a faster way of getting in your car to drive to the library.”

Many of the seniors said they liked to use smartphones and tablets to look up recipes. Others liked to check sports and weather.

“I want to show seniors that technology isn’t just a nuisance or a source of stress,” Kristan said. “It can make your daily life better.”

Kristan said seniors use technology to maintain independence, keep in touch and save money.

Skype and Facebook particularly resonated with the attendees as a way to connect with relatives. “A lot of people from this area have since moved out,” Bridgens said. “So a lot of our seniors have children and grandchildren in other cities.”

The class also dealt with safety and cautioned against phone use while behind the wheel.

An AT&T survey found that 70 percent of people used smartphones while driving, 40 percent used social media, nearly 30 percent surfed the Internet and 10 percent used video chat all while behind the wheel.

Kristan also urged seniors to set up an “in-case-of emergency” contact in their cellphones, so that paramedics would know whom to contact if they found the phone’s owner unconscious.

Bridgens said the class fulfilled the center’s core mission of helping seniors remain independent as long as possible.

The center, located at 443 Trumbull Ave., offers one-on-one technological tutoring to seniors Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.