Medford Receives $45K Grant To Help Seniors Learn About Technology

MEDFORD, MA — The City of Medford has announced that Medford's Council on Aging (COA) has received a $45,000 grant designed to improve the digital literacy of older adults.

The Enhancing Digital Literacy for Older Adults Grant is handed out by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) and can be used for the purchase of devices, software or broadband and to provide technology training and support for seniors.

"As the world continues to become digitally focused, access to online resources is vital — no matter your age," said Pam Kelly, director of Elder Affairs for the Medford COA. "With this grant, we will be able to better educate our seniors on the daily uses of digital tools and better connect them to their loved ones and the world around them."

According to the Medford COA, the grant will be used to offer free technology classes to senior residents. The classes, which will be offered in up to five languages, will focus on social interactions via Zoom, Facebook, telehealth and video chat, in addition to providing lessons about how to consume online entertainment.

To help support these classes, grant funds will be used for purchases like: new desktop computers, iPads and laptops for the classroom, mobile hotspots to be offered on loan with a portable iPad or laptop, a new projector for the classroom, and computer desks for participants to sit comfortably while using the new technology.

The funds also are expected to be used to upgrade the Senior Center, located at 101 Riverside Ave., with high-powered wireless access points.

"Our Council on Aging is consistently expanding services available to our senior population that will enhance their quality of life," Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said. "Free technology classes will allow our seniors to access even more online resources and provide important social connections."