Recently, MonteCedro®, a new planned Episcopal Communities & Services (ECS) Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Altadena, hosted Abby Stokes, author of “Is This Thing On?”, who encouraged San Gabriel Valley seniors to explore the nuances of today’s technology.
During the seminars, approximately 130 area seniors were educated about the ever-changing field of social media and technology gadgets, and learned simple steps on how to virtually stay connected to friends and family..
“According to a recent Pew Research study, the top three devices that seniors 65 and older use are cell phones, desktop or laptop computers and an iPod or MP3 player,” states Peggy Buchanan, Director of Sales and Marketing for MonteCedro. “As a community committed to personal growth, we recognized a growing desire to learn these new technologies and hosted Abby Stokes to educate area seniors about this rapidly changing landscape.”
Stokes began her presentation by introducing San Gabriel Valley seniors to the differences between computers, laptops, E-readers and tablets, and explained the opportunities that each gadget offers. She also provided attendees with information on the various features of each product and what to consider when purchasing such as cost, feel and look .
“Every day technological advances are being made that constantly change how we interact with one another,” states Stokes. “For digital immigrants, those who did not grow up in the digital age, learning the nuances of the various products can be overwhelming. It is an honor to partner with communities like MonteCedro to educate seniors on overcoming this barrier and help them feel more independent.”
To conclude the presentation, Stokes provided attendees with a list of age appropriate social networking and educational sites. Attendees were also given the “Grandparents Cheat Sheet for Staying in The Game.” The cheat sheet is filled with interactive tips to connect and stay in touch, which include:
• Make a date to connect in real-time online with family or friends
• Create a ritual such as Tech Tuesday, to ask technology based questions
• Create family history by sharing family photos together online
• Send a surprise to a loved one through online shopping
Abby Stokes has assisted over 190,000 people online. She travels across the country to help people through their anxiety of technology. Stokes is a firm believer of, “if my mother can learn the computer anyone can.” In celebration of Heart Health Month, MonteCedro will host Morrison Senior Dining dietician Tracy Blazer and executive chef Brian Johnston who will demonstrate and provide San Gabriel Valley seniors with heart healthy recipes on February 26, 2013. To RSVP or receive additional information about MonteCedro, please visit www.montecedro.com/info or call (877) 282-1584.
About MonteCedro®
MonteCedro®, a planned Episcopal Communities & Services (ECS) Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), is located in Altadena, Calif. As the first CCRC in the San Gabriel Valley area in more than 25 years, MonteCedro will feature a performing arts auditorium, movie theater, underground parking, heated swimming pool, home health services, formal and informal restaurants, and Masterpiece Living® enrichment program. Groundbreaking is scheduled for Summer 2013. For more information about MonteCedro, please contact Peggy Buchanan, Director of Marketing and Sales for MonteCedro at 877-282-1584 or visit www.montecedro.com/info. For more information about Masterpiece Living®, please visit www.mymasterpieceliving.com.
