– Youths help seniors learn about computers —

For people who grew up without them, computers can be very difficult to learn.

Because of that difficulty, the city began offering the Cyber Seniors program, which is aimed at connecting seniors with young mentors to teach them the ropes.

“It’s an inter-generational program aimed at getting youth with seniors who want to learn how to use a computer or tablet,” said program coordinator Lindsay Poloni. “Once they get paired up, they work one-on-one for a period of eight weeks on how to use the Internet on the device they want to learn.

Poloni says there’s a lot to be learned during the sessions.

“For a lot of people it’s just basics, but it is hard for older people picking it up for the first time,” she said. “Things like a Google search, how to send emails and how to use Facebook.

“It really gives them a baseline of knowledge to use after the sessions are done — we want them to come away with the confidence to use the internet independently.”

Poloni says another large part of the program is connecting generations.

“It’s great to see youth and seniors come together and form friendships,” she said. “The generational gap between youth and seniors has never been bigger, and a large part of that is technology.

“We’re letting the youth be the expert on something, and they’re coming away with good job skills and some community service. For the seniors, they can sometimes become isolated from their family — the internet is a great way for them to connect with their loved ones.”

The program is also aimed at helping seniors navigate the web in the safest way possible.

“Being safe online is so important,” said Poloni. “There can be a fear around using the technology, and giving seniors the skills to use it safely can eliminate that.

“Teaching them what to share online is important, as well as how to recognize a scam, or what websites are safe to use.”

To date, the program has assisted 56 seniors and there is currently a wait list to get signed up.

For more information email linpol@medicinehat.ca

SUBMITTED PHOTO A group of Cyber Seniors and their mentors pose for a group shot at the Medicine Hat College lobby. The program has been running since 2016 and has many seniors in the city with using the internet safely.