The divide between seniors and technology can be vast. While many older adults use computers and smartphones, others can use a little help navigating the online world sometimes. Fortunately, there are organizations that work to close the gap between technology and seniors, offering technical assistance that can make a big difference.

Closing the Gap Between Technology and Seniors

One organization founded in Brooklyn has been helping older adults learn more about technology since 2004. OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) has a mission to help seniors learn and use technology to live better in the Digital Age.

They offer virtual classes – many of them are free – so anyone who is 60 or older can learn anything from how to use an iPhone, set up 2-step authentication, to chair yoga and balance and stretching. Programs are available in multiple languages and some courses are done over the phone. A list of virtual programs can be found at this link: Senior Planet.

Tech Helpline for the 60+ Community

Recently, OATS partnered with UJA Federation to launch Tech Helpline, a phone call center for the 60+ community, offering the 1:1 help seniors need to navigate tech challenges from a distance. 

It provides advice over the phone to questions such as:

• How do I get an attachment to open?

• What happened to my Wi-Fi?

• How does someone see me on a Zoom call?

• I touched something, and now the screen is blank. 

Tech Helpline is free, easy to call, and available in English, Russian and Spanish. The number is 1-888-510-6299, and it’s available Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm.