Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Social savvy seniors
of a group for satisfaction,” she said.
When it comes to new features on Facebook, Niggel takes to the internet to figure things out on her own.
“I go to YouTube to learn how to navigate something new to Facebook,” she said.
For those who prefer guidance beyond the internet, places such as the Chester County Community Library’s John W. Jacobs Technology Center offer one-on-one tutoring for basic computer training or the opportunity to learn about social networking on Facebook.
The free session is two hours long and involves meeting with a volunteer tutor. To request a tutor, those interested need to fill out a request form and submit it in person at the Technology Center. The computer center is open to the public.
According to the library’s reference desk, most who take the computer classes are 60-plus and are looking to learn how to navigate the computer or need help using their smartphone or tablet, such as learning the settings.
Another computer resource is the TriCounty Active Adult Center in Pottstown, which offers computers for people to use who visit the nonprofit community center.
“Some use them to access email and social media,” said Brian Parkes, TriCounty’s executive director.
He said some also like to use the computers for Solitaire and other online games.
Other newer and very popular web-based games for seniors are Words with Friends and Wordle, the word puzzle that gives you six chances to guess a five-letter word. The game is owned and published by the New York Times.
The daily challenge Wordle offers is considered a good way to keep the mind sharp for seniors.
At TriCounty, Parkes saw how the pandemic encouraged first-time usage of technology among those in the active aging category. It served as a way to keep them connected.
“We did see a lot of first-time Zoom users log in for exercise classes during the past two years,” he said. “It was a steep learning curve for some, but they were definitely more willing to try out new technology.”