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MIFFLINTOWN -- Senior citizens are making great strides with technology usage, but that doesn't always mean their tech savvy.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, tech usage is on the rise. The number of seniors ages 65-plus using technology, like tablets or cell phones, has steadily increased over the past decade.
While many older adults have the essential functions down and feel comfortable doing the most critical tasks on their devices, many still lack the confidence to try new features or tech they aren't familiar with.
Some of the barriers that cause this are: lack of support and assistance; fear of scams or security with new tech; lack of familiarity due to not having grown up with these devices; and feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by new features and information about their devices.
Many seniors want to learn more but don't know where to start. They might have questions, but they don't know who to ask or how to get the assistance they need.
Michele Gray, senior community services program assistant at the Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corp. -- The Care Network, Yeagertown, has some helpful answers.
Nicole Goodman, instructor at Community Education Workforce Services through PA Careerlink, will lead an interactive session, "Introduction to Computers with Centers in Motion" at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, Four Seasons Senior Center, 47 CJEMS Lane, Mifflintown.
The session is limited to those age 55 and up. It is free. Bring your personal laptop or tablet with you.
"Nicole will teach the basics of using your computer, and we will bring a few laptops for those in need of a hands-on teaching tool," Gray said.
For more information, call (717) 320-8354.
Senior games volunteers needed
The Senior Games are offered in affiliation with the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging and the MJRSC. They are seeking new committee members to start planning the 38th Annual Mifflin-Juniata Senior Games.
The event will take place in June. Committee members assist with promoting the event, choosing activities, securing sponsors and running and scoring individual games throughout the week.
"We just had our first senior games committee meeting and are always looking for new 55-plus members to come and help plan our annual senior games event in June," Gray said. "We discuss and plan it all out monthly, we encourage input about everything from the place to hold the opening ceremony to what games to have and our banquet and awards ceremony."
Our volunteer team includes agency partners, community members and seniors who participate in the event. If you are interested in joining the committee, call Gray at (717) 320-8354 or email mgray@mymjrsc.com.