Tech Peers Keep Seniors Connected

Pandemics can play havoc with all the factors that contribute to well-being, such as frequent social interaction with friends and family, outings and mental stimulation. For seniors at risk for COVID-19, it can be a challenge to keep spirits up when one's only social window is a telephone, TV or radio. Enter the Tech Peers Program for Seniors.

The CEED Centre Neighbourhood House is launching the Tech Peers Program to help seniors get online, access people and programs, and stay safe. It has partnered with the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Seniors Network, which funds the program through the New Horizons for Seniors Program of the Canadian government. 

We will pair seniors with tech savvy youths to train them as peers so they can work closely with seniors at risk of isolation. The primary goal is to get seniors comfortable with online communications technology so that they can

• have a rich interaction with family and friends,
• attend online meetings for information and to give input,
• participate in online recreational programming, 
• access government services and departments,
• and avoid online fraud 
• ​use email and basic computer and communications equipment and software.

What Tech Peers Do

• commit to a few hours of teaching each week
• agree to a free criminal record check for vulnerable sectors (seniors and youth)
• attend some one-on-one workshops to learn how to train learners
• partner with a youth who will be their tech mentor
• train learners at the computer booth at the CEED Centre (COVID safe) or provide remote telephone support
• when it's safe to do so, network with other tech peers and youth and attend some fun activities

Required Tech Knowledge (moderate)

• understand how to use keyboards, mice, trackpads, and other input devices for computers
• be able to use email programs and web email
• understand how to log onto wifi and connect a computer to the Internet (basics only)
• be able to use Internet browser application software (Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Explorer, Firefox, etc.)
• be able to learn Zoom and FaceTime in a couple of sessions

Why It's Fun 

• if you get satisfaction from contributing to your community, you will like this program. Learners will tell you how your efforts have opened a bright window where it was dark
• in view of the pandemic, it's hard to meet new people--we take safety precautions to reduce risk 

To discuss becoming a tech peer, contact Christian at the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House.