19th Ward and Smith Village Team-Up to Present Tech Thursdays

Tech Thursdays, a free, three-week annual series designed to help seniors master the use of their Apple or Android smartphones and tablets, will be held on September 12, 19, and 26 from 10:30 am to 11:45 am at Smith Village, 2320 West 113th Place in Chicago. Seniors can register below or call the 19th Ward Office at 773-238-8766 on or before Friday, September 6.

REGISTRATION OPENS ON AUGUST 15

“Tech Thursdays aim to help seniors stay current with new features as well as the basics in the ever-changing world of digital technology,” says 19th Ward Alderman Matt O’Shea.

According to recent research conducted at New York University, older adults tapping into the digital world could mitigate the negative effects of an aging brain. Researchers, who followed dementia-free older adults and their use of the internet for as long as 17 years, found that those who used the internet for two hours or less a day had the lowest risk of dementia. This research includes those who used their smartphones to access the internet.

Sessions for Apple and Android users will be conducted in separate rooms. Participants must bring their own Apple and Android devices because a hands-on approach with their own devices will be more relevant and practical, allowing attendees to immediately apply what they learn.

To provide a supportive, interactive environment, Claire DiCola Richards, who founded the marketing firm Amplify 7 in 2013, will lead the Apple sessions. An expert in social media, she will demonstrate how to leverage the tools Apple products offer. Lauren Dowden, director of technology at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School since 2002, will conduct sessions for Android users. Prior to her current role, she was an instructional technology specialist at McAuley.  

“Digital literacy provides access to greater independence. In fact, we see more and more Smith Village residents use their smartphones to register for our activities and programs, to make dinner reservations and to stay in touch with friends and family,” says Marti Jatis, Smith Village’s executive director.

For all three sessions, Smith Village will provide complimentary valet parking and refreshments for all who attend. When you arrive, you will be directed to the classroom for you.

Presented by 19th Ward Alderman Matt O’Shea. Hosted by Smith Village. Co-sponsored by Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham as well as Illinois State Representatives Kelly Burke and Mary Gill.

Classes offer practical tips for seniors

Making life easier with applications – September 12 from 10:30 am to 11:45 am
Learn how to access information provided by the 19th Ward and the City of Chicago; set up and manage telehealth visits; practice how to use medication management tools; master transportation apps like Uber, Lyft, and Curbed; and learn about the most useful and popular apps for seniors.

Staying Connected – September 19 from 10:30 am to 11:45 am
Learn how to use Google Meet on Android devices and FaceTime on Apple ones as well as WhatsApp and Zoom on both platforms; review how to set up email and text groups to stay in touch with friends and family; and discover ways to take, save and share photos and videos—plus print photos too.

Taking safety and security measures – September 26 from 10:30 am to 11:45 am
Learn how to identify scammers using emails and phishing; how to delete and unsubscribe from unwanted emails; how social media tags your searches to send unsolicited information; how to identify accurate, unbiased stories on social media; and how to install Ring and other doorbells with security cameras for your home.