OCES brings hands-on tech training to councils on aging and seniors
Nine older adults at Stoughton Adult Day Health recently completed a six-week basic computer skills course.
The course, part of the Traveling Computer Lab – Digital Literacy for Older Adults program, is offered by Old Colony Elder Services, according to a community announcement.
The program aims to bridge the digital divide and equip seniors with essential technology skills for greater confidence and independence.
The digital literacy course is tailored for adults 60 and older and provides in-person, hands-on instruction. Over six weeks, participants attended eight sessions held at their community setting.
During the course, the group gained confidence using laptops. Core topics covered the basics of computer use, along with using Microsoft Windows to improve typing skills and learning how to navigate the internet.
“The class was really helpful — most older adults were hesitant to use computers before, but they feel more comfortable now,” said Armindo Rocha, volunteer programs manager at OCES.
The Traveling Computer Lab is a mobile program that rotates monthly to new sites across the region, bringing digital literacy training directly to older adults in councils on aging, senior centers and housing communities. By providing all necessary equipment, including laptops, Wi-Fi and printed materials, the program removes common barriers to access and ensures participants receive personalized, step-by-step guidance at their own pace.
Through this initiative, OCES is not only teaching older adults how to use technology, but also fostering greater confidence, social connection and safety in the digital world.
For more information about the Traveling Computer Lab or other services offered by OCES, visit ocesma.org or call 508-584-1561.
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman nonprofit organization by the Supplier Diversity Office. For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points and Area Agencies on Aging in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.