Learning to use technology can be like trying to drink out of a fire hydrant. Our job is to make technology less overwhelming and more rewarding for seniors.
Brookfield, IL (PRWEB) December 05, 2013
Cantata Adult Life Services’ newest service line is aimed at helping seniors choose technologies that fit their lifestyles, and guiding them on set up and best use. Launched in November, Cantata Tech Support assists seniors with at-home technology navigation.
More than ever, technology is a holiday gift idea that crosses age barriers. As technology becomes easier, it has also become more accessible. People who still remember typewriters and tape recorders are now using touchscreens. The Pew Internet and American Life Project reported that more than half of the 65+ population are online and using email. The number is growing as seniors and their loved ones see that technology can provide another level of connection to others and the world at large.
“Often we help people decide what to buy. Others have purchased a device and want to learn how to use it better. This can include smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc. We help with set up, learning how to use programs and apps, using the internet, setting up social media, virus removal, and just about anything else technology related,” says Rita Kuzmenko, Lead Tech Guide for Cantata. Kuzmenko also notices trends related to what types of technologies work best for older adults, and how those technologies should be set up for safety, ease of use, and enjoyment.
“I like to say that learning to use technology is like trying to drink out of a fire hydrant. When you haven’t used it all your life, there’s so much available to you once you turn it on that it’s hard not to be overwhelmed. My job is to make technology a rewarding experience, and take that overwhelmed feeling away,” adds Kuzmenko.
Cantata Tech Guides are background-checked, drug tested and insured. They are also given special training in adult learning. Kuzmenko has a Master’s degree in Education focusing on Instructional Design and Technology and a background in teaching.
Serving the Chicago western suburbs, Cantata Adult Life Services is a not-for-profit organization that provides adult life services, including handyman and home improvement services, fitness and wellness programs, lifelong learning classes, residential living options, rehabilitation services, outpatient therapies and in-home care. All Cantata services are designed to help adults 55 and better live their best lives by facilitating active living and the continuation of healthy relationships with and among people of all ages. To learn more, call 708-485-1155 or visit http://www.cantata.org.
