One of the common ageist myths is that older adults are digitally illiterate and cannot learn technology skills. To counter such stereotypic beliefs, the city of Brevard sponsored an Age Exchange forum last month on technology for non-digital natives.
Attendees, who ranged in age from 54 to 83, asked more questions than the allotted two-hour program could cover. Cybersecurity concerns and use of ChatGPT topped the list of queries from the audience.
Of the Age-Exchange events held this year, this topic drew a relatively small crowd compared to the three other forums, but this audience was by far the most interactive.
Educational Tech Specialist at Brevard College Jim Brooks and his wife Yvette, executive director and founder of the Brevard nonprofit Through the Trees, will be the speakers at a free hands-on tech lab Saturday, June 1 in the library’s Rogow Room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Attendees who bring their own laptops, smart phones or other devices to the library will benefit the most from this program because the tech-savvy couple will ask the audience to practice a few exercises using ChatGPT and apps on their personal devices.
According to the Brooks, common questions from older adults include how to manage passwords, safely use social media, sort files and create a structured filing system of photos and documents.
In addition to the group practice exercises and fielding questions from the audience, a group of tech-savvy Gen Z volunteers from Through the Trees will offer brief tutoring to those who prefer private question and answer time.
This pilot program addresses communication and information needs of older adults, one of the eight domains of an AARP age-friendly livable community.
Paula Hartman-Stein is a gerontologist, psychologist and educator who serves as community coordinator of Brevard’s Age-Friendly Task Force. She has organized and moderated the city-sponsored age-exchange forums. She can be reached via pehartmanstein16@gmail.com.
