Non-profit program helps seniors learn technology skills

Today is National Senior Citizen Day, and one local non-profit is making a difference for elderly people not just in the city, but all over the world.

News 12 Staff

Aug 21, 2020, 11:46 AM

Updated 1,503 days ago

Share:

Today is National Senior Citizen Day, and one local non-profit is making a difference for elderly people not just in the city, but all over the world.
Virginia Hamlin, 76, has been involved with OATS and Senior Planet program for the past seven years.
"I told them they should put me on the billboard in Times Square so that I can let all of the other seniors know how this program has helped me,” says Hamlin.
She's created a website and social media pages for her business, Virginia's Clay and Cloth, and now sells her scarves and other crafts online.
"It's a very transformational experience for a person who is 70 or 80 who is living here in New York City and has so much they can take advantage of, but they are blocked by the tech.”
Hamlin says the OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) entrepreneur's class is especially helpful.
undefined
“We share everything about what we're doing, resources to give to other members who are on so they can learn how to find different things,” says Hamlin.
The free classes Senior Planet offers are not all about work.
“They range from technology-based things, but most of what we offer is using technology so even morning stretch class so people can use their phones or computers, and we have hundreds of people all over America and even some overseas now that are participating in these classes,” says Tom Kamber, OATS Executive Director.
Kamber says OATS engages seniors in learning and new skills, which was especially important during the pandemic.