Immersive “Tech Tank” Program Equips Older Adults With Skills to Take Advantage of Today’s Most Innovative Technology
The program was launched at Senior Planet centers across the country and offers older adults an opportunity to use and explore new technology in person
NEW YORK, Dec. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ – Older Adults Technology Services (OATS), an AARP program, is launching Tech Tank. This innovative program allows participants to explore new technologies in a supportive setting. The program launched in Senior Planet centers this summer. New York City and Palo Alto, will expand to Senior Planet centers across the country—including in Denver, Plattsburg and Miami—starting in 2023.
The Tech Tank was established to help older adults understand modern technology. Too many are on the wrong side. The program provides a safe space for older adults to interact with digital devices. It also offers support from in-person trainers. This helps them to gain the skills they need to benefit from the latest technologies.
“Our goal from the beginning was to empower older adults with technology. This goal inspired the creation of The Tech Tank.” Tom KamberAARP, Executive Director of OATS The Tech Tank gives Senior Planet participants the chance to experience digital devices in person.
Tech Tank’s pilot program was launched in July 2022Through its pilot program, more than 50 seniors from two Senior Planet centers were able to try out new technology devices. Senior Planet tested the concept with an Amazon Echo 8 and conducted a survey of participants. It found that over half of them had never heard of it before participating in the Tech Tank.
“As someone who loves learning, but isn’t necessarily the most tech-savvy, the Tech Tank has been incredibly helpful to me. It’s been a great confidence booster.” Participant in Tech Tank Dorothy ZelderAn 80-year-old woman from Queens, NYParticipated in the Tech Tank Pilot Program. “This program provides a valuable space for older adults such as myself, who want to keep up with the latest technology in today’s digital landscape.” All older adults should get out there and give it a try!”
“I have witnessed older adults who come to the Tech Tank to learn and take classes or get 1-1 tech tutoring, find that they are able to explore new products on their own thanks the Tech Tank.” Stella Fosu, Center Manager for Senior Planet in NYC Stella Fosu. It’s incredible to witness the technology seem so much lighter when you play with real products. It reminds us to have fun using technology!
The Tech Tank pilot will go beyond voice-automated devices like the Amazon Echo next year to offer its members a variety of new experiences, including virtual reality (Oculus), Ring Doorbell, and Fitbit.
About OATS from AARP
OATS is a program of AARP that helps seniors learn how to leverage technology to improve their lives and communities. OATS collaborates with older adults through its flagship program Senior Planet. This allows them to create amazing experiences online and in-person. OATS, an AARP charitable affiliate, has the mission to “to harness technology to improve the way we age.” Visit www.ats.org to learn more. www.oats.org You can also follow @OlderAdultsTech social media.
Contact Media Suzanne Myklebust, [email protected]
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SOURCE Older Adults Technology Services – AARP