The greatest generation enters the digital world by https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3 The purpose of this presentation is to find ways to help the members of our older community to navigate their way through the digital world en-us 2023-03-22 13:13:33 UTC 2023-04-23 19:21:41 UTC hello@padlet.com My pop, my hero seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527608706 I had the pleasure of knowing my great-grandfather (pop) for 15 years. I loved visiting with him in Mays Landing, NJ and hearing all of his stories. However, there was a point in my life when seeing him on holidays and special events wasn’t enough.]]> 2023-03-22 18:10:33 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527608706 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527613889 I wanted to share with my pop important things that happened to me like scoring in a hockey game. I remember asking my mom if I could send my pop a text message and didn’t understand why he didn’t have a cell phone or social media.]]> 2023-03-22 18:13:13 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527613889 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527620585 My pop was a very interesting man who served in World War II and lived through the Great Depression. Despite witnessing so many medical and technological advancements throughout his life, he just felt like he was too old to learn how to navigate this new digital age. We spoke on the phone but that became difficult in the last few years of his life due to speech and hearing issues.]]> 2023-03-22 18:18:03 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527620585 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527623128 We lost my pop in 2019 shortly before his 94th Birthday. I was devastated by his loss and became determined to teach the older people in my family how to use modern technology so that we could always stay connected.]]> 2023-03-22 18:19:59 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527623128 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527626969 Only 61% of people over the age of 65 have smartphones and only 49% of people over the age of 70 have them. It blows my mind that one half of the older generation is missing out on so much by not accessing the digital world through a smartphone. ]]> 2023-03-22 18:22:44 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527626969 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527630756 My grandfather (poppy) was my first student. My family brought him an iPhone which I showed him how to use including the downloading of apps and sending text messages. ]]> 2023-03-22 18:24:52 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527630756 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527635018 Here is a helpful video on ways to help seniors how to use a smartphone ]]> 2023-03-22 18:28:01 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527635018 Some important tips for showing someone how to use a smartphone are: 1. Be patient 2. Demonstrate to them how to use it instead of just telling them 3. Break the demonstration into small steps and 4. Let them repeat the steps until they feel comfortable seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527643388 2023-03-22 18:34:04 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527643388 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527652478 My poppy took to the smartphone like a fish to water. He is now a pro at sending text messages. In fact, he finds the funniest memes to use when responding in group text messages. He even managed to creat a bitmoji that eerily looks like his twin.]]> 2023-03-22 18:39:33 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527652478 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527658041 My poppy is now 80 years old and lives alone since the death of my mom-mom. My mom and her siblings have a group chat with my poppy wherein they send several texts per day. It is not only a good way to keep in touch but it is a good way to check up on my poppy without him knowing that they are checking up on him. They are not as slick as they think because he often sends them memes simply staying “I’m alive”. ]]> 2023-03-22 18:43:24 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527658041 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527665893 My poppy is a sports junkie. He used to tell me about trades the day after they happened because that is when he read about them in the newspaper. He now has access to the internet and the ESPN app where he gains all of his sports knowledge and scores in real time. In his words, this is a “game changer”. ]]> 2023-03-22 18:49:17 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527665893 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527675972 My poppy has always been my biggest fan and never missed one of my ice hockey games until the Covid-19 pandemic hit. I was able to play hockey games during the pandemic but we were not allowed to have spectators. I was shocked when my poppy called me after a game and knew that I scored a goal. He researched all of the ice rinks that I played in on the internet and found out which ones use a site called Live Barn  which broadcasts the games. My own parents did not even go to those lengths to watch me play during the pandemic. ]]> 2023-03-22 18:57:20 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527675972 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527678791 My poppy also loves to watch my cousin play baseball but some of his high school games were too far for my poppy to attend. He found an app called Gamechanger which gives him the play by play of the game in real time. ]]> 2023-03-22 18:59:46 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527678791 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527681925 The use of modern technology had a huge impact on my poppy’s life. He has nine grandchildren and five of us are currently living at various colleges. We are able to stay connected with him by texting, FaceTime and sending him pictures on a daily basis. ]]> 2023-03-22 19:02:17 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527681925 Driving can be difficult for the older generation due to inclement weather and eyesight and ambulatory issues. It can also be dangerous as it is estimated that 20 older adults are killed each day in automobile accidents. Digital technology can dramatically reduce the need for our older population to drive to the bank, grocery stores and department stores. They can accomplish these chores on their own by using apps and the internet. They can bank and shop online instead of having to rely on friends or family to take them. seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527687409 2023-03-22 19:07:05 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527687409 Most banks have apps that can be downloaded which will allow you to pay bills, switch money from one account to another and deposit checks. My poppy was sure glad that he learned how to use this app especially when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527692836 2023-03-22 19:11:58 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527692836 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527696994 Here is a helpful video that shows how to use a bank app]]> 2023-03-22 19:15:52 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527696994 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527700904 My poppy was the type of guy who went to the grocery store every day. That came to an end during Covid-19. He started shopping online and having his groceries delivered. Once I helped him set up the account, he found that it was super easy to use and he likes the fact that it stores his orders making it easy for him to re-order his favorite items. The less my poppy has to drive, the safer he is. ]]> 2023-03-22 19:19:32 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527700904 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527703542 Here is a video that has helpful tips for online grocery shopping. ]]> 2023-03-22 19:22:01 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527703542 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527714388 My poppy’s most recent conquest was learning how to use Venmo. He likes to send me and my cousins money from time to time and usually did so by mailing a card with cash in it. When none of us received our Thanksgivings cards, he learned from his mail carrier that there had been a lot of mailbox robberies and that it was not safe to place anything in the mail unless you take it to the post office. I then set up a Venmo account for my poppy and he loves the fact that we receive his “cash” immediately and the fact that he can send a silly emoji along with the payment. My mom was shocked when she learned that the man who refused to use a “mac” card (debit card) until recently now uses a cash app. 

]]> 2023-03-22 19:31:49 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527714388 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527719626 Here is a video with some helpful tips on using a cash app]]> 2023-03-22 19:37:02 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527719626 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527725480 This is my poppy’s Facebook account. His use of social media helped him connect with old high school friends and old neighbors. He has a lot of nieces and nephews that have moved to different cities and states over the years. He loves the fact that Facebook allows him to stay connected with them and their growing families. ]]> 2023-03-22 19:42:38 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527725480 The feeling of loneliness is a sad part of life for our older generation. However, engaging in social media sites, watching live stream events and even funny videos can help stave off this loneliness for our seniors and help them feel connected to the world around them. seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527727622 2023-03-22 19:44:45 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527727622 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527742439 My younger brother and cousins are amazed when they hear our poppy reference a song, dance or video that is trending on social media. It is amazing how the age gap between an 80 year old and a 13 year old can be bridged with one silly animal video. ]]> 2023-03-22 19:57:38 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527742439 The Covid-19 pandemic changed life as we know it. Navigating this new life is almost impossible without the use of digital technology. My poppy has health issues and still needed care during the pandemic. He was able to schedule and participate in virtual appointments with the use of his smartphone. Most of his appointments are now back to being in person, however, he still has to schedule many appointments through an app. seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527746764 2023-03-22 20:01:50 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527746764 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527749475 Here is a video that gives helpful advice on how to participate in a virtual appointment ]]> 2023-03-22 20:04:44 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527749475 There is specialized training for the elderly which can help quell the fear that they might feel by new technology. Taking away the feeling in someone that they are too old for modern technology can help someone restore their confidence and give them a sense of freedom. seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527751057 2023-03-22 20:06:23 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527751057 There is a website called teensteachtechnology.org where a senior citizen can sign up for lessons which will teach them the basics of technology. These lessons are given by teenagers at local libraries, community centers and nursing homes. seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527753255 2023-03-22 20:08:36 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527753255 When a senior citizen learns to use the digital world, they will feel less isolated from society and will gain many benefits. For example, they can go to https://seniorplanet.org/classes/ which is a website where they can sign up for all different kinds of virtual classes like yoga, protecting their finances, strength and training, holistic healing, tech talk, etc. They can engage in these classes from the comfort of home but still enjoy the camaraderie of the others participating in the class. seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527757894 2023-03-22 20:13:23 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527757894 seanfoley3131 https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527772163 I know that the quality of my poppy’s life drastically improved when he learned to navigate the digital world. However, I can honestly say that I learned so much more from him than he ever learned from me. We need to realize that our older generation bared witness to so much in their lives and have so many lessons to teach us. I remember learning about the Battle of the Bulge in elementary school. However, that lesson did not  compare to my pop’s accounting of the battle which he actually participated in and, unfortunately, had the scars to prove it. In the words of my poppy “this old dog can learn new tricks”. Take the time to show an older person how to use the technology that we take for granted- you wont regret it and you will make a huge difference in both of your lives. ]]> 2023-03-22 20:28:22 UTC https://padlet.com/seanfoley3131/qny0njllfm0o1sd3/wish/2527772163