Digital literacy program targets seniors

Project Literacy works to give seniors digital skills they need to stay connected to their community

Seniors comprise a large majority of our Canadian population; there are 5.9 million individuals, who now outnumber the younger generation.

In the midst of an ever-evolving digital age, every member of society should have basic digital knowledge. Project Literacy desires to make this a reality by establishing the Get Connected: Digital Literacy for Seniors Program, which will fill this need in Kelowna.

About 31,000 individuals, more than 25 per cent of Kelowna’s population, are over 55 years old, and many are in need of digital skills to stay connected to the community. Approximately 50 per cent of people over 80 report feeling lonely, which can lead to lower well-being, depression, a higher level of disability from chronic disease and overall cognitive decline.

Through the Digital Literacy for Seniors Program, Project Literacy intends to reduce senior isolation and promote positive community relationships.

The benefits are endless for seniors who are enrolled in this program.

Relationships that have weakened for the senior learner, whether they be with family or friends, can be strengthened through various social networking platforms and video chat technology such as FaceTime and Skype. Learners will gain skills that are applicable to their everyday lives, such as becoming fluent in emailing, learning to fill out government forms, or making online purchases.

Technology training will offer seniors the confidence to become comfortable with computers and a safe space to engage with concepts that might be difficult for them to learn on their own. Research tells us seniors can expect to gain a greater sense of personal fulfilment, health preservation, social connectedness and adaptive tools.

The Digital Literacy for Seniors Program is a new program for Project Literacy.

The program will teach seniors relevant digital skills that can make their everyday lives more enriching and connected.

Project Literacy has a group of community volunteers standing by to work with learners of all ages seeking help with technology skills.

If you are interested in learning how you can get involved in the Digital Literacy Program, contact Project Literacy by phone at 250762-2163 or by email at admin@projectliteracykelowna.org.