Technology can make senior citizens feel left out and alone.
There's a new program aimed at increasing family and social connectedness to reduce the risk of isolation.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is launching a 14-week series of lessons in which mentors will offer seniors one on one instruction on iPads.
Co-chair Sarah Orr-Shaw says the agency received a New Horizons grant for $25,000 enabling them to purchase 46 iPads which they loan out for the duration of the course.
"Sometimes seniors feel left out of the family because they don't understand technology. Maybe they can't interact with grandchildren who prefer to text rather than call. Many just want to be able to see pictures posted on Facebook."
The program called "Simcoe Muskoka Cyber Seniors" matches mentors, who may be high school or college students, with a senior who will be taught the basics.
Orr-Shaw says "we literally start with how to turn the device on and off."
The teacher will show the senior how to e-mail, text, FaceTime and make a video call or check out YouTube.
The health unit has partnered with the school boards in hopes of engaging tech-savvy students to sign up for community service hours.
Orr-Shaw adds "There is no cost to the participants and if they prefer to use their own device they can."
For more information, click here.
