Our priorities for Seniors Lounge:
The Golden Techs project is a collaboration between Help My Neighbour Society and Access Family Services Inc.
Golden Techs Program Update:
Our Tablet Distribution Program is now complete and was successful. We are excited to share some key details such as where they were distributed, quantities and feedback from Seniors.
Tablet Distribution was as follows:
Neighbourhood House - Vancouver - 10
Neighbourhood House - Vancouver - 10
Library - Lillooet - 8
Library - Sechelt - 8
Not for profit - Cowichan - 5
Not for Profit - Burnaby - 15
First Nation - North Vancouver - 15
Not for Profit - Vancouver - 15
Ismaili care for the Elderly Team - various - 12
Feedback from Seniors:
One senior is a cancer patient who was thankful to receive the Chromebook to get connected with others. Friends can provide emotional support for her through zoom.
Two seniors used their cell phone to attend zoom, the screen is too small and their eyes were hurt. With the Chromebook, they enjoyed attending virtual classes. Specifically one senior is a knitter, she socialize and knit with other seniors. She is the teacher of the group. She can demonstrates the detailed knitting steps to members in the Knitting Circle. She is very thankful for the donor to make this connection possible with a better device.
The Chromebook is very helpful. I don’t have a computer at home. I can learn about the government's care and assistance for the retired people, and I can watch the video programs that are beneficial to the physical and mental wellness, making my life more pleasant. Thank you very much to the donors of the tablet computer!
Another benefit is the Chromebook allows changing the setting from English to Chinese. The seniors can browse and navigate without difficulty. It doesn’t happen to other devices like Amazon Fire7 tablets which the seniors return due to language barrier.
This project also includes recruiting young adult volunteers to distribute 100 tablets to seniors who have difficulty using technology. Young adult volunteers will be responsible for teaching seniors how to use the tablet and help them connect with other seniors sharing similar interests through the Seniors Lounge program.
Although there are so many benefits to volunteering in the Golden Tech program, here are just a few:
- Experience an improvement in mental and physical health as a result of active community involvement.
- Form strong relationships with their Mentee, enabling them to feel connected in an ever-changing society.
- The opportunity to share their knowledge with a generation who grew up without technology and to show them how technology can improve their life, rather than hinder it.
- Establish a lifelong bond and make a difference in another person's life.
- Develop a sense of fulfillment and personal growth as they learn more about their Mentee and themselves.
