During the last several months, senior volunteers have been showing off their ability to learn something new, and to use those new skills to impact others.
Shortly after the pandemic began, we began researching technology devices our senior volunteers could use to stay connected to us and to their clients. Not knowing how long it might be before volunteers could get back out in the community, we needed to find a way to help them stay engaged, while keeping them as safe as possible.
We didn’t know when the volunteers might be able to return to in-person service, and were hoping to create ways for them to serve virtually, if necessary.
These volunteers typically spend their time serving in two ways. Many mentor children in school and in after-school programs. Others volunteer by visiting other seniors’ homes, providing companionship to homebound seniors. Those volunteers also help with transportation to appointments and shopping.
We looked at a lot of tablets before deciding to test one. We delivered 20 of them to volunteers, and quickly set up virtual training events. It wasn’t easy for any of us. Many hours of frustration were followed by glimmers of hope. Then, seemingly all of a sudden, everyone was catching on.
We held many training events, including Zoom and Zoom etiquette, then moved on to some of the other classes that were provided through the Campus for Creative Aging.
Let me tell you, what a joy it was watching these seniors interact with each other on the tablets. Each time we got on a new virtual training, they began greeting each other, smiling, laughing and virtually hugging each other. Each of them participates in a meaningful way, and has become proficient in using their tablet.
Not only are they actively engaging in classes, they are also using their tablets to communicate with friends and family. They know how to send pictures to their grandchildren, send emails, and even find music to listen to. They can also track their own personal appointments on their tablet calendars.
We reached out to one of those volunteers recently to invite her to an event. She said, “Hold on a minute, I need to check my tablet calendar.” The same volunteer also said, “If I can learn this, I can do anything!”
This tech training has been life-changing for these seniors. It’s keeping them socially engaged, giving them tools to make new discoveries, and encourages others to take a chance on something new. It’s also encouraged our team to keep trying new things, to not only benefit our volunteers, but to have an impact on the greater community.
Since that initial test of 20 tablets, we’ve been able to purchase tablet for all of our volunteers, as well as some for clients who are lonely and isolated. We have trained an additional 30 volunteers and will have almost 100 volunteers completing tablet training by this fall.
While we initially set out to find ways the volunteers could still serve in their communities, we found out quickly that it was much more than that.
It’s become a lifeline for many of our volunteers. They are making new discoveries about themselves, and leaning into those discoveries to explore even more.
This has been – and will continue to be – a rewarding experience for all involved. Seeing the joy on their faces as they figure out something on their new tablet has inspired the whole team to keep learning new things.
The Area Agency on Aging is proud to be a part of this opportunity to bring technology to our seniors and to help bring people together in the ever-moving and changing world.
Read this article in the Herald Palladium