Tech Helps for Seniors Program Graduates 11 at Bolivar-Hardeman County Library
Eleven older adults recently completed 15 hours of classroom computer training through Southwest Human Resources Agency (SWHRA) Tech Helps program, which was held at the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library. The program provides computer literacy classes for senior adults, ages 60 and older. The class participants, who ranged in age from 62 to 77, were trained in the use of Chromebooks. Upon completion of the training, they were able to take the Chromebooks home as their own.
Instructors for the SWHRA Tech Helps program are volunteers. Hardeman County instructor Bob Williamson, also an older adult, enjoyed the opportunity to work with community members eager to learn and improve their lives.
“There are very few things in life that can be given and still kept. Among them is knowledge and life experience,” said Mr. Williamson. “These graduates are to be commended for taking the time and effort to learn about technology that has become necessary within their lifetime.”
The Southwest Human Resource Agency’s Senior Services department received a $400,000 grant from the West End Home Foundation to help bridge the digital divide for Tennesseans age 60 and older living in the counties of Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, and McNairy.
The digital literacy grant program was created in response to the connectivity crisis experienced by our country’s older adults. An estimated 21.8 million older adults are offline at home, with only 58 percent of Americans age 65 and older with broadband Internet service. The negative ramifications of this lack of connectivity became clear during the pandemic as older adults became cut off from their families, friends, and communities.
Research shows when older adults are connected to technology, they become less isolated and more engaged in their communities. Older adults without Internet access suffered more extreme levels of social isolation during the COVID pandemic. Many were unable to access essential services and products, and could not take advantage of telehealth, telecounseling and other telesupport services.
Tech Helps Program classes are still enrolling participants and seeking volunteer trainers in all eight counties. For more information, please contact epickle@swhra.org. Applications may also be completed online at www.swhra.org.
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