Service helps seniors with tech

Dear Readers: Technology is advancing every day, and to senior citizens, it can appear complicated and overwhelming. With so many devices out there, no wonder there’s confusion!

Social media platforms are great ways to keep up with family, friends, photos, groups and activities, and the internet also can provide email, news, banking, research, etc. But if seniors aren’t sure how to use this technology, they can miss out.

The Older Adults Technology Services (oats.org) helps seniors learn how to use computers and has collaborated with AARP to hold training sessions. Older adults also can check senior centers or their neighborhood library for classes on technology. — Heloise

Tech Tuesday

Dear Heloise: What’s a GIF? I see them all over the internet.— Tyler T., age 11, in Kentucky

Tyler, great question. GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format; it’s a short, compressed picture or moving picture used for illustration in an online or digital article.

A GIF can be used to quickly show how a flower blooms, for example, or it can illustrate an emotion or feeling. Clips featuring popular actors in shows and iconic movies are often turned into GIFs for a comedic effect. — Heloise

Check Your Lights

Dear Heloise: Many times, I see cars with only one headlight. To check my headlights, I pull in front of a large glass window and check out all the headlights. This also can be done for taillights. — Sandy in Indiana