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Niagara Falls
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Survey aims to measure effectiveness of Cyber-Seniors program

Larry W. Chambers

Hanna Levy

Special to The Lake Report

Many older adults in Niagara-on-the-Lake experience isolation and loneliness – and they also may find it difficult to access information readily available online.

Some might have devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones but not know how to use them.

Cyber-Seniors is a free NOTL program that trains students to become technology mentors for older adults. Funded by grants and donations, it is endorsed by the NOTL Community Wellness Committee and has a documentary film featuring Cyber-Seniors’ accomplishments.

Managed by Nancy Siciliana, the program allows tech-savvy students to gain practical experience while earning volunteer hours and developing skills that will enhance future job prospects. And the seniors learn valuable skills to help keep them connected to the community.

Among the tools Cyber-Seniors tech mentors offer are:

* Ordering groceries online.

* Video calling with family and friends (e.g. FaceTime and Zoom).

* Booking transportation.

* Online banking.

*Virtual doctor appointments.

Cyber-Seniors is mainly promoted to older NOTL residents via flyers sent by email to older adults and by flyers given to retirement and long-term care homes. As well, a newspaper article like this one help to raise awareness.

Cindy Grant, chair of the NOTL Community Wellness Committee, says her organization wants to determine how well Cyber-Seniors is working in NOTL. Please call Grant at 905-468-7498 to share your comments on the questions below to help determine how to improve access to Cyber-Seniors and find out its impact. Responses will be forwarded to Siciliana.

1. Have you learned about use of the internet from a Cyber-Seniors tech mentor?

a. Yes

b. No

2. Would you recommend Cyber-Seniors to friends and relatives?

a. Yes

b. No

3. How did you find out about Cyber-Seniors? (check all that apply)

o July 16 newspaper article

o A friend or relative

o Notification in a retirement home or long-term care home

o Other (please specify) ________________________

4. Where do you live?

a. Niagara-on-the-Lake

b. St. Davids

c. Virgil

d. Other (please specify) _________________________

5. What else should be done to help people learn how to use the internet?

a. Learning sessions at the library

b. Learning sessions at the museum

c. Additional advertisements in the local newspapers about Cyber-Seniors

d. Other  _________________

Seniors interested in receiving help from a tech mentor or students interested in becoming a mentor can call 1-844-217-3057.

To apply online to be a tech mentor, visit www.cyberseniors.org.

* Larry Chambers has authored 175 articles and books on disease prevention, quality improvement in long-term care homes and innovative approaches for continuing professional development. He is research director of the Niagara regional campus of McMaster University's school of medicine. Hanna Levy is a medical student.

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