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Sometimes, it can be tricky to understand all of the technology that we need to get by. Here are some resources to help you.
One on one help in the community
Digital Navigator Program: This program provides assistance on campuses and libraries. They can also can provide telephone help. Do you want to see a calendar of this month's help? Click here to view (takes you to their site).
Free help at County Libraries: Local county libraries offer free help on technology and more. Use this link to find them.
Oasis: Oasis (an organization offering education for older adults) has a number of ways to benefit older adults.
Technology classes: For a small fee, you can take classes on topics like Android devices, Apple devices, ChatGPT, Bluetooth, the cloud and more. Visit the Oasis site to find more. https://san-diego.oasiseverywhere.org/
One-on-One sessions: Sign up for an in person 20-to-30-minute session with a technology expert through Oasis. Instructional only. Reserve your spot by calling them (619-881-6262) or email (tech@SanDiegoOasis.org)
Quick fix software services: For a fee, you can: Move data between devices and cloud ($75), Scan and repair for viruses ($115), Software repair, operating system updates, driver troubleshooting ($115), New device set up ($30). Contact Oasis with questions: (619-881-6262 or email (tech@SanDiegoOasis.org)
Senior Computer Group: This group meets on Saturday mornings via Zoom. They offer tech talks on a variety of issues, and are available for questions after. Visit their website for links to the Zoom, resources and information about the weekly topics. https://scgsd.org/
Tech on the Go: Offers classes on various topics including smartphones, apps, community resources and more. Calendar updated each month. (https://sdfutures.org/digital-literacy/)
SD Access for all: A variety of resources to help seniors understand technology, and to provide tools to help bridge the digital divide (https://www.sandiego.gov/sdaccess) Includes:
Map with over 300 public free wi-fi spots
Laptops for loan up to 2 hours at libraries
Hotspots available to check out for 90 days at a time (view more information)
Digital Navigators:
Toll-free HELPLINE: 1-800-350-6945
Monday - Tuesday: 11:30 a.m. ‑ 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday - Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sources for free and low cost computers and Wi-Fi
There are options for obtaining free or low cost computers and Wi-Fi for seniors and lower income adults. Possibilities include:
San Diego Futures Foundation (equipment, tutoring, classes, one-on-one) https://sdfutures.org/
Computers4Kids (equipment for low income and seniors) https://www.c2sdk.org/
Self paced tutorials
Simplifying Tech for Seniors: A newer site with a brother and sister team. They have created some tutorials and have a great way of explaining as they go along. Vist their site at https://simplifyingtechforseniors.com/
GCF Learning: This is an excellent non-profit tutorial site with a wide variety of offerings. It includes not only technology, but other areas as well. Definitely worth a view. https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/
Tech Boomers: Lots of tutorials and information about technology questions for seniors including online shopping, social networks, online entertainment, useful websites and apps and technology basics. This is really a great and informative site. https://techboomers.com/
Recorded technology lessons
Senior Planet: On this AARP sponsored site, you can find recordings on how to do things involving technology (phone, tablets, computers, etc.) (https://seniorplanet.org/videos/)
LiveWell Videos: A nice assortment of videos which help us to better understand technology. Click here to view the options.
Virtual tech support for older adults
Have you tried any of these services (below)? Let us know what you think.
Senior Planet (AARP): https://seniorplanet.org/ Includes free online content: articles, courses, lectures, demo videos, and workshops. Virtual one-on-one training—via Zoom—is also available. Service hours are 9 am to 8 pm ET, Mondays through Fridays; 9 am to 2 pm ET on Saturdays. Email info@seniorplanet.org or call (888) 713-3495.
Cyber-Seniors: https://cyberseniors.org/ Cyber-Seniors offers training and free one-on-one tech support by pairing seniors with student volunteers for an intergenerational experience that both parties learn from. There are volunteers who speak English, Spanish, and French. The site features a newsletter, weekly events calendar, webinar, toll-free tech support, training for volunteers and seniors and a section dedicated to cybersecurity protection. Service hours are 8 am to 4 pm ET. Email scheduling@cyberseniors.org or call (844) 217-3057.
Quincy: https://www.gogoquincy.com/ Remote tech support sessions are conducted via secured connections and recorded, fraud protection (A tech support team reviews your emails, texts, voicemails, and social media for con games), and a blog with posts aimed at non-techies. Plans start at $5/month, and the company also offers 14 minutes per month of free support to Medicare recipients. Service hours are 8 am to 8 pm ET. Message Quincy’s staff via the chat support feature on the website or call (208) 557-8466.
Candoo: https://www.candootech.com/ for one-to-one tech concierge support consist of a single one-hour session ($75) or an annual membership ($228/year for singles, $340/year for couples). Memberships also include a free how-to library, videoconferencing tools, online shopping guides, and a downloadable tablet comparison sheet. Service hours are 9 am to 8 pm ET. Email support@candootech.com or call (646) 758-6606.
The Smarter Service: https://thesmarterservice.com/ Personalized one-on-one technical assistance based on the complexity of their digital needs. Customers are assigned the same concierge every time they use the service. Smarter Service offers free consultations to help you pick a plan. Annual memberships start at $125 per month, but other tailored packages are available. Service hours are 9 am to 5 pm PT, Mondays through Saturdays. Email info@thesmarterservice.com or call (805) 765-8348.
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