A few days ago, I learned of an exciting opportunity. For those of you who know me on this site, beyond my political interests, I also teach a computer class for Charleston (WV)-area seniors. Three years ago, luck and opportunity would place me in front of that class full of seniors looking to improve their computer skills at our local senior center. The occasional case of stage fright notwithstanding, the benefits of my current job speak for themselves. Studies have shown that seniors with even basic computer skills feel less isolated, show more confidence in their web surfing, and keep devastating diseases like Alzheimer's and other dementias at bay by challenging their minds and learning new skills. It is a rewarding job with a wonderfully supportive cast, and our computer lab--with its ten computer stations--is arguably the best at any senior center in the state, and I have visited them all.
But we are still somewhat hampered by the limitations of our current set-up. Our computers are all easily 10+ years old, operating on older, somewhat outdated software. The configuration of our lab is not optimal. And for all the good that our class does for giving local seniors a valuable--maybe, in this fast-paced world, indispensible--skill set, we get the feeling that, with just a few more resources at hand, we could do so much more. For example, perhaps the most frustrating part of my job relates to retention. I no sooner teach an operation than I find myself revisiting the same operation the very next class. Short-term memory is often a problem, and while I am reminded that there is more than one way to perform most tasks on a personal computer, the easiest and most direct way will have infinitely more staying power with a senior cohort. I think that, besides having the latest technology to teach on, software geared toward improving the cognitive functions of seniors, and charting their progress, would do wonders.
And so recently my father--who teaches the class with me--noticed, in the last AARP Magazine, an ad by Pepsi, for their Pepsi Refresh Project. Each month, Pepsi accepts 1000 new ideas and funds the top 10 in each category ($5000; $25,0000; $50,000; $250,000). Funding has gone to a variety of worthwhile causes in the past month, and competition--of course--is pretty fierce. We are asking for $25,000 for our computer lab project: more than enough to give local seniors the technological help they need and maybe enrich their lives through technology.
My students are largely people who were left behind by the remorseless technological progress of the last twenty years. Their reasons are remarkably similar, and heartbreaking. Most were highly successful in their own careers, and represented all walks of life: doctors, lawyers, engineers, print media, teachers, homemakers. Many were conditioned to easy success early in life, and found their inability to keep pace on the technological front a source of great shame. Their adult children had neither the time or the patience for hand-holding. As the years passed, their confusion and shame grew, and they refused to venture beyond their narrow comfort zones.
It may help to know that above and beyond the obvious focus of these classes—to help seniors to move confidently and purposefully on their own computers—they also serve an unspoken socialization function. Many of my students unexpectedly reunite with childhood friends, classmates or colleagues. They share common interests and trade tech horror stories, and they genuinely enjoy each other's company and welcome making new friends. And for far too many, this class may be the only time in their week that they find companionship. Anything I have done to further that environment has only aided my efforts at the computer, while also going miles to brighten the lives of people who daily teach far more than they will ever learn from me.
I encourage you to visit the Pepsi Refresh Project website (http://www.refresheverything.com/index), visit my facebook group page (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=121390811230274&v=wall), and vote--if not for my project, then any project you find worthwhile. This is a great opportunity for so many, and a great way for you to help others, maybe even in your own community. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.