SeniorNet is an organization that helps people age 50 and over learn new computer skills. Of course many of our Social Security disability clients are in their early 50’s, and many have no skills relevant to the technology age. As SeniorNet says on their Web site:
SeniorNet is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization of computer-using adults, age 50 and older. SeniorNet’s mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.
The organization has benefited millions of seniors since its founding in 1986; supports over 240 Learning Centers throughout the U.S. and in other countries; publishes newsletters, an extensive curriculum used in our Learning Centers and a variety of other instructional materials; offers discounts on computer-related and other products and services; holds regional conferences; and collaborates in research on older adults and technology. SeniorNet also operates SeniorNet’s web site at http://www.seniornet.org, where individuals 50 and older, and others who are interested in our information and activities, are welcome to peruse our resources and participate in our online community and the hundreds of discussion topics offered on the site. Here, on the Web, the discussion boards are called the SeniorNet RoundTables – be sure not to leave without visiting!
SeniorNet members learn and teach others to use computers and communications technologies to accomplish a variety of tasks. They learn to touch up photos and send and receive them in email, to desktop publish documents, write their autobiographies, manage personal and financial records, communicate with others across the country and the world and serve their communities. SeniorNet members share a desire to continue learning and a willingness to contribute their knowledge to others.