Embracing Your Golden Years: Building Community and Tech Skills for a Vibrant Life

Exploring Resources for Seniors in the Digital Age

This briefing doc reviews key themes and insights from three sources: Meetup, The National Council on Aging (NCOA), and Senior Planet from AARP.

Key Themes:

• Social Engagement and Community Building: All three sources emphasize the importance of social interaction for older adults. Meetup facilitates in-person gatherings based on shared interests, while Senior Planet offers online and physical classes promoting community connection. NCOA's focus on "equitable aging" highlights the need to address social isolation across diverse senior populations.
• Health and Wellness: NCOA champions "aging well" through resources addressing chronic conditions, falls prevention, nutrition, and financial security. Senior Planet offers fitness and wellness classes, both online and in person, demonstrating the importance of maintaining physical and mental health.
• Technology Adoption and Digital Literacy: Senior Planet stands out with its dedicated focus on technology training for seniors. The platform provides online courses, on-demand learning, tech tips, and even a tech terms glossary. This highlights the growing need to empower seniors in navigating the digital world.

Important Ideas and Facts:

• Meetup as a Social Connector: Meetup offers diverse events in various cities, catering to interests ranging from hiking and reading to technology and art. The platform encourages face-to-face interactions, turning shared interests into friendships.
• Quote: "People use Meetup to meet new people, learn new things, find support, get out of their comfort zones, and pursue their passions, together."
• NCOA's Focus on Equitable Aging: NCOA advocates for policies and provides resources to ensure that all seniors, regardless of background, can age with dignity and security. They address financial well-being, healthcare access, and community support.
• Quote: "NCOA delivers the resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy our nation needs to ensure that every person can age with health and financial security."
• Senior Planet Empowering Seniors Through Technology: Senior Planet offers a wide array of online resources and classes, including fitness sessions, technology tutorials, and news literacy guidance. Their aim is to bridge the digital divide and help seniors harness the benefits of technology.
• Quote: "Senior Planet's expert trainers all have unique teaching styles."
• Fact: Senior Planet's hotline provides live support for seniors navigating technology (888-713-3495).

Observations:

• The reviewed resources demonstrate a shift in the perception of aging, moving away from a deficit-based model towards an emphasis on empowerment and active participation.
• Technology is playing an increasingly critical role in supporting seniors' well-being, offering opportunities for connection, learning, and access to essential services.
• Collaboration between organizations like NCOA and platforms like Senior Planet is essential to ensure that all seniors, regardless of technological proficiency, can benefit from available resources.

Next Steps:

• Further research into the impact of technology on seniors' social isolation and mental health.
• Exploration of innovative approaches to digital literacy training for older adults.
• Examination of funding models and partnerships to ensure sustainable access to senior-focused programs and resources.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:19

Hey, everyone ready to dive deep into how we can all stay connected and keep learning and thriving as we get older.

Speaker 2: 0:26

It's a big topic, but we've got some great resources to help us out today.

Speaker 1: 0:29

Oh yeah.

Speaker 2: 0:30

We're looking at Meetup the National Council on Aging.

Speaker 1: 0:33

That's NCOA.

Speaker 2: 0:35

Yes, NCOA and Senior Planet from AARP.

Speaker 1: 0:38

Wow, look at that Python coding A bean-themed pop-up. This is going to be interesting.

Speaker 2: 0:44

Yeah, there really is a fascinating mix of stuff out there.

Speaker 1: 0:47

So let's jump right in, starting with Meetup.

Speaker 2: 0:49

Okay, sounds good.

Speaker 1: 0:50

I was poking around on their website and, man, there are a lot of different groups.

Speaker 2: 0:54

Oh yeah.

Speaker 1: 0:55

Like, for instance, if you're in Traverse City, michigan there's this bean-themed pop-up that caught my eye. There's board games and brews and a phantasmagoria art show. That sounds pretty cool.

Speaker 2: 1:05

Definitely does. And you know, what really strikes me about Meetup is that it gets at something we all need.

Speaker 1: 1:11

What's that?

Speaker 2: 1:13

That need for connection.

Speaker 1: 1:14

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 1:14

It's not just about like finding something to do to fill the time.

Speaker 1: 1:18

Right.

Speaker 2: 1:18

It's about finding people who get you, who share your interest. It's your people Right, your people Exactly, whether that's board games or art or Python programming or whatever.

Speaker 1: 1:29

And you know we hear that a lot from listeners.

Speaker 2: 1:31

Yeah, makes sense.

Speaker 1: 1:32

That desire to connect with people who get it. Yeah, it's so important.

Speaker 2: 1:37

Really is. Especially as we get older, it can be so much harder to find that sense of belonging.

Speaker 1: 1:43

Right, it's not just about like having fun, it's about that feeling Totally, that feeling of I belong, I'm valued, I'm connected to something bigger than myself.

Speaker 2: 1:52

And, honestly, that feeling can have such a huge impact on how we feel overall.

Speaker 1: 1:57

So meetup isn't just a website to find events.

Speaker 2: 2:00

Right.

Speaker 1: 2:01

It's this tool for building community and like finding that sense of purpose.

Speaker 2: 2:05

That's a great point.

Speaker 1: 2:06

Which is super important for aging well.

Speaker 2: 2:08

Absolutely. And that leads us to the National Council on Aging.

Speaker 1: 2:11

NCOA.

Speaker 2: 2:13

Yes, ncoa, they're taking this bigger picture approach to aging well.

Speaker 1: 2:18

Okay, how so?

Speaker 2: 2:19

Well, they're not just about social connection. They're really trying to make sure that everyone can age with both health and financial security.

Speaker 1: 2:25

Okay, that's big. I was reading their impact report and I was blown away.

Speaker 2: 2:29

Really.

Speaker 1: 2:30

They helped people submit $668 million in public assistance applications. Wow, that's not just a number, that's real, tangible support going to people who need it.

Speaker 2: 2:41

And it's so important because we all know financial security is tied to well-being. Yeah, I mean. So many seniors face these tough choices. Do I pay for health care or housing or food Right? Ncoa helps take some of that burden off so people can live with more dignity and peace of mind.

Speaker 1: 3:00

It's empowering seniors to make good decisions about their finances and get the help they deserve.

Speaker 2: 3:04

Right.

Speaker 1: 3:05

And it doesn't stop there.

Speaker 2: 3:06

No.

Speaker 1: 3:07

They offer these workshops on stuff like managing chronic diseases and preventing falls.

Speaker 2: 3:12

Oh, wow.

Speaker 1: 3:12

And they've reached over 43,000 people with those programs.

Speaker 2: 3:16

That's really being proactive about healthy aging.

Speaker 1: 3:18

It is.

Speaker 2: 3:19

What I really like about their approach is that it's so practical and down to earth.

Speaker 1: 3:23

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 3:24

They're not just talking about these big concepts Right, they're giving people actionable information and resources that they can actually use.

Speaker 1: 3:30

Okay, so we've got connection with Meetup.

Speaker 2: 3:32

Yes.

Speaker 1: 3:33

We've got that big picture approach with NCOA. Now let's talk Senior Planet from AARP.

Speaker 2: 3:39

Okay.

Speaker 1: 3:40

Because, let's be real, staying connected means being tech savvy. You, okay, because, let's be real, staying connected means being tech savvy.

Speaker 2: 3:43

You got that right.

Speaker 1: 3:44

Especially these days.

Speaker 2: 3:45

Right so.

Speaker 1: 3:46

Senior Planet's all about getting older adults comfortable with tech and using it to make their lives better.

Speaker 2: 3:52

Yeah, and they do such a great job of making it fun and engaging.

Speaker 1: 3:56

Yeah, they do.

Speaker 2: 3:56

And it's really for everyone.

Speaker 1: 3:58

I was looking at their online classes.

Speaker 2: 3:59

Oh yeah, what did?

Speaker 1: 4:00

you see, they have everything like stronger bones, morning stretch, even protecting your personal info online, which is so important these days.

Speaker 2: 4:09

It really is. You think about it.

Speaker 1: 4:11

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 4:12

A lot of people think tech is just for younger people.

Speaker 1: 4:14

Right.

Speaker 2: 4:15

But it's really become essential for everyone, no matter how old you are. That's true. It's how we stay in touch.

Speaker 1: 4:21

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 4:21

How we get information, how we manage our money, even how we entertain ourselves.

Speaker 1: 4:26

And Senior Planet totally gets that.

Speaker 2: 4:28

They do.

Speaker 1: 4:29

They're helping seniors get over that fear of technology and feel confident online.

Speaker 2: 4:34

That digital divide is real. It is, and it's not just about knowing how to use a computer.

Speaker 1: 4:39

Right.

Speaker 2: 4:39

It's understanding how tech works, the good and the bad.

Speaker 1: 4:42

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 4:42

That's why that class on protecting your info is so important.

Speaker 1: 4:45

Yeah, good point, and it's not just classes. What else do they have? They've got articles. They've got podcasts Nice, they even have one on one tech help and their own social platform.

Speaker 2: 4:57

Wow, so they really offer the whole package.

Speaker 1: 4:59

They do. It's really a one stop shop for anyone who wants to stay connected and informed, no matter their age or how much they know about tech.

Speaker 2: 5:06

That's fantastic.

Speaker 1: 5:08

It's really cool how Senior Planet makes technology seem less scary for people.

Speaker 2: 5:12

Right.

Speaker 1: 5:13

Like anyone can learn this stuff.

Speaker 2: 5:14

Exactly. It's never too late to learn something new.

Speaker 1: 5:17

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 5:17

You know we've been talking about these different resources, but I think there's a better idea here.

Speaker 1: 5:21

Okay, what's that?

Speaker 2: 5:22

It's about empowerment and agency Like you, have more control over how you age than you might think.

Speaker 1: 5:29

Each of these organizations, in their own way, is kind of saying hey, you've got this.

Speaker 2: 5:35

Exactly, it's about shifting from this passive approach.

Speaker 1: 5:38

Where you just kind of accept what's happening.

Speaker 2: 5:39

Yeah, to a more active one. Yeah when you're seeking out new opportunities.

Speaker 1: 5:43

Right.

Speaker 2: 5:43

Connecting with people, taking charge of your own well-being.

Speaker 1: 5:47

And that can be really powerful, especially in a society that doesn't always value older adults.

Speaker 2: 5:53

That's so true. These resources are challenging those stereotypes.

Speaker 1: 5:57

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 5:57

And giving seniors the tools they need to live these vibrant, fulfilling lives.

Speaker 1: 6:02

Thinking back to Meetup for a second.

Speaker 2: 6:04

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 6:05

It's funny how the whole idea of community has changed.

Speaker 2: 6:07

Oh, yeah, how so.

Speaker 1: 6:08

It used to be so tied to where you lived Right, but now, with online platforms, you can find your people anywhere.

Speaker 2: 6:14

Totally. You could be living in the middle of nowhere.

Speaker 1: 6:17

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 6:17

And feel like the only one who's into you know. 18th century basket weaving.

Speaker 1: 6:21

Right.

Speaker 2: 6:22

But then you find this whole online community. Who gets it?

Speaker 1: 6:25

It's like magic Speaking of unique communities. Remember that Phantasmagoria art show we saw on Meetup in Traverse City.

Speaker 2: 6:32

Oh yeah, that one was cool, I wonder what kind of art they have there. I know right what kind of people go it just shows how art can bring people together. It really does.

Speaker 1: 6:40

And it's not just about looking at art.

Speaker 2: 6:42

Right.

Speaker 1: 6:43

It's about making art.

Speaker 2: 6:44

That creative process can be, so therapeutic it can be, and fulfilling which reminds me of NCOA's focus on aging well.

Speaker 1: 6:55

It's not just about physical health or money. It's also about finding meaning and purpose.

Speaker 2: 7:01

And that can come from so many things.

Speaker 1: 7:02

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 7:03

Creative expression, exactly Hobbies Connecting with people who share your passions.

Speaker 1: 7:08

And those connections can be such a lifeline.

Speaker 2: 7:10

They can.

Speaker 1: 7:11

Especially as we get older and face new challenges.

Speaker 2: 7:14

We've talked about digital literacy yeah, but I think there's this bigger idea of staying curious and engaged with the world.

Speaker 1: 7:20

I love that.

Speaker 2: 7:21

Whether it's through technology or social groups or creative stuff.

Speaker 1: 7:25

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 7:25

It's about keeping our minds sharp and open to new things. I think that's so important Me too, you know, a mind that's not challenged can decline more easily Wow. But a mind that's active and engaged can thrive for years and years.

Speaker 1: 7:39

So it's not just about learning, it's about challenging ourselves, pushing our boundary.

Speaker 2: 7:44

Right and staying connected to what's happening around us.

Speaker 1: 7:46

Exactly, and that's what keeps us feeling young.

Speaker 2: 7:49

It really does. It's about holding on to that sense of wonder that curiosity that we usually associate with kids.

Speaker 1: 7:55

But we can have it at any age. At any age, exactly, you know it's interesting how each of these resources Meet up NCOA Senior Planet. Yeah, they all kind of work together to create this more supportive environment for aging Well they do.

Speaker 2: 8:07

They complement each other.

Speaker 1: 8:08

Like. Imagine combining the social connections of Meetup with NCOA's resources and Senior Planet's tech support.

Speaker 2: 8:15

That would be amazing. You could find a Meetup group.

Speaker 1: 8:18

Oh yeah.

Speaker 2: 8:18

Focused on using NCOA's services.

Speaker 1: 8:20

Right or a Senior Planet workshop.

Speaker 2: 8:22

Yes on using technology to connect with your local NCOA chapter.

Speaker 1: 8:27

The possibilities are endless.

Speaker 2: 8:29

They really are. It's all about getting creative and using these tools to build a life that you love.

Speaker 1: 8:34

And that's what's so great about this deep dive.

Speaker 2: 8:37

What do you mean?

Speaker 1: 8:37

It's not just about information Right. It's about inspiring action.

Speaker 2: 8:41

Giving people the tools to make positive changes.

Speaker 1: 8:43

Yeah, exactly.

Speaker 2: 8:44

I think that's what makes this deep dive special.

Speaker 1: 8:46

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 8:46

It's not just what these resources are. It's how they can help you live a better life.

Speaker 1: 8:51

No matter how old you are or what your situation is.

Speaker 2: 8:54

Exactly Everyone deserves that chance.

Speaker 1: 8:56

So we've talked about a lot today.

Speaker 2: 8:58

We have.

Speaker 1: 8:58

Connection community, digital literacy, lifelong learning and the importance of staying engaged.

Speaker 2: 9:07

It's been a whirlwind.

Speaker 1: 9:08

But now comes the important part.

Speaker 2: 9:10

What's that?

Speaker 1: 9:10

Actually doing something with all this information. So we've explored all these amazing resources.

Speaker 2: 9:17

We have, but now what Right Like? Where do we even begin?

Speaker 1: 9:20

It can feel kind of overwhelming to know where to start. It's true, it's like you go to this incredible buffet.

Speaker 2: 9:26

Yeah, I love buffets.

Speaker 1: 9:27

And you want to try everything.

Speaker 2: 9:29

Right, you don't want to miss out on anything.

Speaker 1: 9:31

But you also know you can't eat it all.

Speaker 2: 9:33

Yeah, you got to pace yourself.

Speaker 1: 9:34

Exactly so what's one bite-sized action our listener can take this week?

Speaker 2: 9:40

Hmm, well, you know how Senior Planet has that class on protecting your info online. Mm-hmm, that's a great place to start.

Speaker 1: 9:47

Okay, why.

Speaker 2: 9:49

Because feeling confident online opens up so many possibilities.

Speaker 1: 9:54

It's like learning the rules of the road before you go on a road trip.

Speaker 2: 9:57

Exactly you want to be safe out there.

Speaker 1: 9:59

So you feel more comfortable navigating the digital world.

Speaker 2: 10:03

Right, and the good thing about Senior Planet is they offer different levels of support.

Speaker 1: 10:07

Oh, yeah, like what.

Speaker 2: 10:08

So you're not that tech savvy.

Speaker 1: 10:12

You can use their one-on-one tech help. It's like having your own personal tech guru Exactly, or like a tech savvy grandkid on speed dial.

Speaker 2: 10:17

Without having to actually bug your grandkids all the time.

Speaker 1: 10:19

That's a good way to put it. And what about meetup?

Speaker 2: 10:21

Meetup's great too. How so? Even just browsing events in your area can give you ideas.

Speaker 1: 10:26

Okay.

Speaker 2: 10:27

And you might find things you never even knew existed.

Speaker 1: 10:29

Right, like that bean themed pop-up in Traverse City. Who would? Have thought Meetups full of surprises.

Speaker 2: 10:35

And even if you don't find an event right away, just looking around can help you see what's out there.

Speaker 1: 10:40

It's about realizing you have more options than you think.

Speaker 2: 10:43

Exactly. You're not limited by age or where you live.

Speaker 1: 10:46

We've been talking a lot about online resources. We have, but what about NCOA?

Speaker 2: 10:52

Oh yeah, they have tons of on-the-ground support.

Speaker 1: 10:54

They do.

Speaker 2: 10:55

Yeah, they have this network of partners all over the country.

Speaker 1: 10:58

Wow.

Speaker 2: 10:59

Think of them like local hubs where seniors can get help with all sorts of stuff.

Speaker 1: 11:04

Okay, like what.

Speaker 2: 11:05

Things like benefits counseling, health screenings.

Speaker 1: 11:07

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 11:08

Even social activities. So, if you need more hands-on help, NCOA can connect you with real people in your community.

Speaker 1: 11:15

That's so important for stuff like navigating those tricky benefit programs.

Speaker 2: 11:19

Right and it's easy to find those local partners.

Speaker 1: 11:21

Oh.

Speaker 2: 11:22

They have a search tool on their website. Oh cool, you can filter by location and the type of service you need.

Speaker 1: 11:27

So it's like this customized directory of support, exactly, and don't forget about good, old-fashioned word of mouth.

Speaker 2: 11:34

Oh yeah, that's a good one.

Speaker 1: 11:35

Ask your friend's family, your doctor?

Speaker 2: 11:37

You might be surprised what's already out there.

Speaker 1: 11:39

You know what's really cool about all this?

Speaker 2: 11:41

Why.

Speaker 1: 11:41

It's seeing how these resources can help seniors become advocates for themselves.

Speaker 2: 11:46

Yeah, and for their communities too.

Speaker 1: 11:48

It's not just about getting help.

Speaker 2: 11:54

It's about speaking up and using your experience to make things better For yourself and for everyone else, and that's when real change happens. When people feel empowered to make a difference.

Speaker 1: 12:01

So, as we wrap up this deep dive, I want our listener to feel hopeful and excited about the future.

Speaker 2: 12:07

Me too.

Speaker 1: 12:08

We've explored some great resources, but the real journey starts with you.

Speaker 2: 12:12

It does. You have the power to create the life you want.

Speaker 1: 12:16

It's about taking charge of your well-being Right. Never stop learning and connecting with people who share your passions.

Speaker 2: 12:22

And remember it doesn't have to be this huge, overwhelming thing.

Speaker 1: 12:25

Yeah, start small.

Speaker 2: 12:26

Take one little step.

Speaker 1: 12:27

Visit a website.

Speaker 2: 12:28

Run out the phone call.

Speaker 1: 12:29

Go to an event.

Speaker 2: 12:30

That one small step can lead to amazing things.

Speaker 1: 12:33

Well, that's it for this deep dive. Everyone, hope you enjoyed it. We hope you feel inspired to get out there, connect, learn and thrive.

Speaker 2: 12:41

No matter what stage of life you're in.

Speaker 1: 12:43

Until next time, keep exploring. Bye everyone.