News, Information, and Testimonials
Digital Grandparents is committed to improving the lives of older adults through technology and facilitating intergenerational understanding. See below for links to relevant articles, studies and information about older adults and technology and volunteerism as well as testimonials from clients and members of our volunteer corps.
News & Information
Technology Improving the Mental Health of Older Adults (October 7, 2022)
The mental health crisis occurring in America does not just impact young people, but also the lives of older adults. Technology can help overcome many issues, especially those related to cognitive decline, isolation and loneliness. “When talking about mental health in older people, we need to remember that it doesn’t just include diagnosed conditions—it encompasses psychological, social, and emotional well-being” according to this article from Mass General Brigham McLean.
Tech Companies Should Seek to Create Frictionless Experiences for Seniors (May 13, 2022)
Seniors aren’t necessarily averse to technology, according to Mark Luck Olsen. The problem is that many devices and apps are difficult for many to use. There is a large generational gap, as younger people have become accustomed to the fun additions devices have to offer, while most older adults need consistent, practical functionality.
Tips to help Seniors Learn Technology (August 6, 2021)
Learn More Here: https://www.saberhealth.com/news/blog/help-seniors-learn-technology
Learning and adapting to technology is increasingly important for all members of society, including older adults. There are many tips for those seeking to help a senior use technology, including suggestions for DGI volunteers before a tutoring session starts.
Psychologists Adapting Technologies for Older Adults (July 1, 2021)
Learn More Here: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/07/tech-older-adults
Psychologists and professors at world-renowned institutes have been researching how they can make technology more accessible for older adults. One research student said it perfectly, where she explained, “I can’t emphasize enough that technology’s purpose is not to do away with human support,” she said, “but rather to enhance what is possible.” For example, her team was designing a home to make the lives of seniors safer and created a program to help inform people on the use of devices such as Alexa.
Impact of the Use of The Internet on Quality of Life in Older Adults (December 2, 2020)
Learn More Here: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1463423620000584
Cambridge University Press published a literature review—free and on-line– of the research related to the relationship between internet use and the quality of life in older individuals.“The majority of the studies substantiate the advantages of internet use by older adults including the ability to communicate with family and friends, maintain a wide social network, have access to information and participate in online leisure activities.”
The Importance of Tech Education for Older Adults (November 25, 2020)
The COVID-19 pandemic made it more important than ever to be able to access digital healthcare. Some insurance companies are even creating programs that connect elders to college age individuals to provide support. “Seniors are yearning to use more technology in all aspects of their lives, especially in health care” according to this relevant article from U.S. News & World Report.
Exciting New Technologies (October 11, 2017)
As the US older adult population rises, more researchers and organizations are developing technological solutions to continue to allow adults to remain independent and productive longer. According to the U.S. News, by 2060, 25% of the population will be over 65 years old and nearly 40% of them own a smartphone. This emerging population is now seeing a market growth in devices to meet their unique needs, including: robotic companions, voice digital assistants, etc. The aim of these products is to continue provide a safe environment for adults to thrive as their health and financial situations become more complex while also still maintaining a level of autonomy and self sufficiency many pride themselves on. Whether through these state of the art technologies , or with assistance from Digital Grandparents, the future of older Americans is bright indeed.
Digital Grandparents, Inc. - New York City (July 31, 2017)
New York Institute of Technology Communications Arts graduate students in Professor Luvon Roberson’s Production House class developed all components of this video for Digital Grandparents Inc., as a key element of the integrated communications plan that is required for the course. For more information, contact lroberson952@gmail.com.
Loneliness is a Health Hazard (December 22, 2016)
According to Dr. Dhruv Khullar, in a New York Times article (12/22/16) several studies and other experts make the case that maintaining social connections is vital to human health, especially among the elderly. Digital Grandparents is working to address this basic need by helping older adults learn how to connect with family, friends and community through the Internet and social media.
Learn more at http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/22/upshot/how-social-isolation-is-killing-us.html?_r=0
To Good Health and Fortune (October 4, 2016)
Learn More Here: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbw130
A recent study, published in The Journals of Gerontology, noted adults 80 years of age or older found fulfillment in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT). For those who used technology to promote their social relationships presented an increase in their psychological well-being. Those who used technology for informational purposes also saw an increase in their physical well-being. No matter the purpose, whether for personal pleasure or to keep the mind sharp, technology needs to continue to be promoted to ensure satisfactory well-being in our later years.
Silvertech (October 23, 2015)
Ever heard of “silvertech?” This is the new term for platforms, apps, sites and devices meant to help older adults. While many of them are geared towards health monitoring and maintenance, some are focused on making computers and the Internet more accessible to older adults.
See the article at http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/27/health/to-reach-seniors-tech-start-ups-must-first-relate-to-them.html?_r=0
Pew Research on Older Adults and Technology (April 3, 2014)
A report from the Pew Research Center (4/14/14) on Older Adults and Technology Use reinforces the need for organizations like Digital Grandparents. There, researchers found that “A significant majority of older adults say they need assistance when it comes to using new digital devices… 77% indicate they would need someone to help walk them through the process.” As for the benefits of being online, the report finds, “For a variety of reasons (such as physical distance from family members and/or lack of mobility) some older adults often have difficulty connecting with friends and family members in person. For these seniors, social networking sites can offer an additional venue for connection and socializing with others—and indeed, older adults who use social networking sites such as Facebook are more likely to regularly socialize with friends, whether online, in person, or over the telephone, compared with seniors who are not social networking site users.”
See the full report at http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/04/03/older-adults-and-technology-use/
Let's Nix Social Isolation! (March 25, 2013)
Learn More Here: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1219686110
Our mission is not just to explain how to access the wi-fi or change the desktop background. Our goal is always to dig deeper. Technology is a means to keep in touch with those we love regardless of our physical limitations. The advancements we’ve seen in recent years, has made oceans, time zones, wheel chairs and even languages not seem so insurmountable. The Internet, Facebook, Skype, DuoLingo, and a myriad of other digital gifts have allowed us to bridge the gap and communicate with whoever we want whenever we want. It’s with these tools we can keep social isolation (and a few pesky medical issues) at bay, and ensure our parents, grandparents, mentors and mature neighbors can connect with us for many years to come.
Safe Searching
Learn More Here: https://about.att.com/csr/home/society/education.html#panel1-5
In our enthusiasm to encourage everyone to get connected, we want to take a moment to remind everyone to stay safe out there. While there are more good people than bad in this world, there is always a risk when you share your personal information on the Internet. Just like you would lock up your house or car to keep your valuables in your possession, it’s always important to make sure you have the latest anti-virus software on your computer and the secure passwords on your confidential information.
To find out more about how you can keep your personal information safe, check out AT&Ts Digital You reminder.
DGI Selected as NEU Service!
We are delighted to announce that DGI has been selected as a Spring 2016 Service-Learning community partner for Northeastern University’s Service-Learning Program. This well-respected program integrates classroom and community goals through service partnerships between faculty-led academic courses and community-based organizations. In our case, DGI is the community-based organization that will be partnered with NEU’s Community Learning course. Through this partnership, NEU students will tutor older adults as DGI volunteers while learning about and applying course concepts.
See http://www.northeastern.edu/communityservice/servicelearning/index.html for more information about the NEU Service-Learning program.
DGI Featured in NEU Alumni Magazine!
Digital Grandparents and its co-founder, Bobby Steinbach, were featured in the Northeastern University Alumni magazine, which goes out to members of their Alumni Association. All Northeastern graduates who have received a degree are automatically members of the Alumni Association. That’s A LOT of people hearing about DGI!!
See the article at http://www.alumni.northeastern.edu/s/1386/hybrid/index.aspx?sid=1386&gid=1&pgid=6330
Testimonials
Facebook, Instagram, and Gmail on the Agenda
“Today at St. Agnes library, we have sessions running really smoothly. Seeing seniors from the previous session looking for more help was great! I dropped in on multiple sessions to hear what the tutors and seniors were working with. Some were helping with the creation and editing of Facebook and Instagram profiles. Others were gaining insight on the use of the Gmail platform. One client was learning about the installation of antivirus programs! I was very impressed to hear the conversations about different ways to connect to and use the internet.
One session that I became interested in was with Majied and his client, Tina. She was very enthusiastic about her lesson with him! They discussed the basic applications of the phone, including the camera and the Gmail application. She also wrote down everything that she learned so she can practice at home! She was so comfortable with the help she was receiving, that she promised to recommend DGI to her family members! This is excellent because we always look forward to helping more seniors and we have more than enough volunteers to support them. I’m looking forward to the next session and I hope to see more Digital Grandparents, too!
Till next time – signing off,”
— Vaughn Artemus, New York Institute of Technology Student, DGI Volunteer Tutor, St. Agnes NY Public Library, Manhattan, NYC
Introduction to the Digital World
“Anya and Mark, two of your volunteers, have worked with residents at Beechwood Retirement Community in Troy for several months, introducing them to the digital world. It has been wonderful for them and they are grateful both to Anya and Mark and to Digital Grandparents.”
— David Aikens, Beechwood Senior Living Resident, Troy, NY
God Bless Her!
“A DGI tutor helped me with filing forms to inform the stock companies of which my wife owned stock that she died. It took 21/2 hours because of intermittent software problem caused by Wi-Fi, and my iPad, and my printer. The tutor was tenacious in solving the problems, was professional, easy to deal with and patient. She is EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT. She should have a great career ahead of her. I am retired from IBM, worked in development (large systems) and had 3 Ph.D.’s reporting to me. So I know gifted people when I see them!!!! God bless her.”
— Robert Jarmick, Beechwood Senior Living Resident, Troy, NY
Printers and Champagne
“Last year (2016) I started volunteering for Digital Grandparents. I am the teacher and I am assigned to my students who could be my grandparents. I enjoy teaching them new things about technology because I was born into it and I feel comfortable sharing my knowledge. Here is a little story that I will always remember from one of my volunteer sessions:
One of my students, named Bob, wanted to learn, and do everything you could think about. Bob told me when I arrived a few days after I first started volunteering that he wanted to research about champagnes and print an article on it. So, I told him let’s do it. He began to share his knowledge on champagne with me which I thought was very sweet and informative, but I knew I couldn’t do the same because I wasn’t of drinking age! He told me where champagne was first made, which I now know was in France. He told me about his favorite champagnes to have and why.
Eventually, I taught Bob how to print and he printed an article on the champagne, André. He was so proud of himself and I was too. I will always remember this little story not only because Bob was my first student to teach, but also because he was determined to learn how to print even if that meant making several trips to the printer down the hall. I really do enjoy my students, they always want to know and learn about everything. I will continue to work with them to enhance their technological skills because I know that there is so much more out there to know and learn!!”
— Anya Burke, Troy High School Senior, AmeriCorps Member/DGI Volunteer Tutor at Beechwood Senior Living, Troy, NY
Teaching One Another
“Kathy and I have been working together since 9/29/2016 due to my volunteer course in Northeastern University. It is amazing that we are such a solid tutoring pair throughout a year. We’re constantly teaching each other about different cultures: I told Kathy the stories of my country, and Kathy explained some American TV shows and holidays to me.
Week by week, Kathy and I were getting to know each other pretty well. We even hung out at a Wig Store (yep, that’s a weird place to hang around) because I told Kathy that I wanted to dye my hair so she suggested that I try some wigs first.
The funniest thing is, we share snacks! I brought her some Taiwanese snacks from my country (ex. Pineapple cake), and she gave me ramen and bags of popcorn from Ray’s.
A most memorable thing for both of us is, during one session, Kathy was trying to explain to me what “President’s Day” was. I actually had a day off and I didn’t even know why! We had so many fun memories that after our last class before the summer of 2017, Kathy walked me to the T station because we were going to miss each other so much.
Throughout our session, I realized that the purpose of Digital Grandparents is not only about teaching elders how to use computers, but also about meeting people from different backgrounds. Thank you, Digital Grandparents, for this fantastic experience. Because of DGI, Kathy and I are good friends! I hope other volunteers and students can have the same outcome as we did!!!!!!”
— Vicki Wei Chi Chen, Northeastern University, DGI Volunteer Tutor at Ruggles Assisted Living, Boston, MA
Blessed Beyond Measure
“The definition of satisfaction is why I volunteer. On Thursdays, I am always happy to see my students. The thought of being able to teach the older adults about technology every time I go makes me feel blessed. Blessed because I have the knowledge to share. Blessed because my students do not give up. Blessed because my students teach me to stay focused and always strive above and beyond. “No matter how young or old you are always try to learn.” Those are the words of one of my students to me. I smile daily with satisfaction because of this opportunity given to me by Digital Grandparents. I am grateful for this opportunity and I will continue to be inspired by my students at Beechwood here in Troy, New York.”
— Anya Burke, Troy High School Senior, AmeriCorps Member, DGI Volunteer Tutor
Honorable Works
“It was a great honor and invaluable experience for me to help the elderly by teaching them technological and computer skills.”
— Jens Daci, New York Institute of Technology Student, DGI Volunteer Tutor
Gradual Realizations
“At first, I thought this whole process thing about teaching elders how to use technology would be really boring. After I started the tutoring session several times, I started to realize that this tutoring thing is very helpful not only to the elders but also to us the teachers. It helped me to learn and understand how the elderly people think about technology and their surroundings. For me, this is a good thing because when people start to understand more about each other, they will start to connect to each other, which will create a better world.”
— Tran Van Anh Tu, Northeastern University Student, DGI Volunteer Tutor
Self Rewarding Work
“Working with Digital Grandparents has been one of the best experiences that I have encountered throughout my college career. Just recently I have been working with a student in helping him get a job. He just retired with a degree in animal science and seems to be a man of all trades. He is very knowledgeable but the one thing he struggled with was his computer skills. It makes me very happy knowing that I am able to help someone become successful in something they struggle with. Working with Digital Grandparents is very self-rewarding. It blows my mind that something that could seem so natural to me could be very challenging to someone else. I love working with Digital Grandparents and am very happy I became a volunteer.”
— Joelle Gicobbi, Russell Sage College, AmeriCorps Member, DGI Volunteer Tutor
DGI Volunteer Tutor Francesca Cavalcanti at New York Public Library
— Francesca Cavalcanti, DGI Volunteer Tutor
New View of Boston
“I really enjoyed working with DGI during my final semester [at Northeastern University]. Meeting older adults from Boston showed me a view of the city I had never seen.”
— Eve Anderson, Northeastern University Student/DGI Volunteer Tutor at Ruggles Assisted Living, Boston, MA
Getting to Know You
“My student was able to, finally, after so many months, use her printer with her Chromebook…I enjoy all the personal stories and getting to know everyone. I am happy when I can answer questions and help with problems successfully. How thankful everyone is. They are so encouraging and give me great feelings on the inside.”
— Catherine Contillo, Russell Sage College Student/DGI Volunteer Tutor, Camphill Ghent Senior Living, Ghent, NY
