Social Ecological Model of Health to Loneliness (Killam, 2020)
Individual Level: Empowerment and Skills Development
Community Level: Connection and Belonging
Systemic Level: Policy and Equity
Technology can be used to enhance seniors' mental health
Mediated by social connection, digital competence, and autonomy
Moderated by digital literacy, socioeconomic status, health
Interventions should target individual, community and systemic levels and address social inequities that influence access and engagement
Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO), is a large, non-profit association in Canada that provides services, advocacy, and group health benefits to retirees and workers in the broader education community. Effective January 1, 2026, RTO will be known as Entente Education Canada (EEC). This organization builds community and social connections through social events, travel opportunities, leisure activities, and provides a network for members to connect and volunteer in their local communities. The RTOERO Foundation funds geriatric research, healthcare provider training, and community programs that support the well-being and quality of life of the aging population.
EEC is a national organization with local Districts that sponsor member-focused events, workshops, and community service. Kenora District 26 hosts Tech Tuesdays, an event that educates and supports the membership in the use of technology. These weekly workshops and training sessions provide members with the information and skills necessary for the safe use of technology and maintaining wellness.
Evergreen Seniors Community Centre
Guelph, Ontario
Senior Centres in local communities offer a variety of support services and social events for Seniors in the Community.
Workshops in Safe use of Technology
Technology support - How to sessions
Open Discussions and Tech support - fix my phone
Funding - Age Well at Home Programs. The Government of Canada Budget 2021 committed $90 million from 2021-22 to 2023-24 for the Age Well at Home Initiative to support seniors-serving organizations in providing in-home practical support that helps low-income and vulnerable seniors age in their homes.
LinkedIn provides information on programs that support Seniors in technology use.
ClickWiser, a community initiative to help both kids and seniors navigate the digital world safely and confidently. (LinkedIN, Steffy Zakrzewski, Indiana University)
Our mission is simple:
To equip every generation with the tools to thrive in the digital age, from teaching elementary students how to use AI responsibly to helping seniors stay connected online without fear of scams or fraud.
Through our workshops, we aim to:
🔹 Reduce scams and fraud among vulnerable groups
🔹 Improve intergenerational tech literacy
🔹 Encourage digital connection and safety awareness
We plan on partnering with elementary schools, after-school programs, and elderly homes across the community.
We’re currently looking for high school students who want to join us in making an impact!
From LinkedIN (October 2025)
This type of program supports identity formation among older adults, fosters intergenerational connections, and meets volunteer requirements for high school students.
Killam, K. (2020, December 23). Applying the Social-Ecological Model of Health to Loneliness: And recognizing the power of local community action. Medium. Retrieved from https://kasleykillam.medium.com/the-inspiration-behind-community-microgrants-5bdedff5e48a
Repetti, M., & Fellay-Favre, E. (2024). Ageism and the digital divide in Switzerland during COVID-19: Lessons for the post-pandemic world. Journal of Aging Studies, 69, Article 101227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2024.101227
Shah, S. G. S., Nogueras, D., van Woerden, H. C., & Kiparoglou, V. (2020). The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pandemic of Lockdown Loneliness and the Role of Digital Technology. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(11), e22287. https://doi.org/10.2196/22287