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Technology & Aging Program
An exciting pilot program to benefit older adults is coming to Otsego County!
It has long been known that isolation can have negative effects on people's health. In our rural commuinity, there are many older adults living in isolation and who are, as a result, are suffering from loneliness and depression. The Otesgo County Commission on Aging (OCCOA), in partnership with the Michigan State University (MSU) School of Social Work, MSU Extension, and the University Center (also known as the Technology & Aging Program Advisory Board), is hoping to change this with the help of an exciting new pilot program that will be offered to a select group of Otsego County residents, age 60 or older. It is well known that increasing a person's social contacts can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, thereby reducing one's susceptibility to depression and other negative health effects. One way to expand a person's social contacts might be be with the help of technology that already exists in our sociaty today - namely, e-mailing as is possible on computers.
How you can help:
The changing world of aging and technology presents both challenges and opportunities for older adults. It will be very important for the advisory board to determine the level of computer expertise that exists in the Otsego County older adult population (namely, those age 60 or older) before assistance and resources can be provided to those who are interested in participating in the program.
So that the level of need that exists in our county can be determined, the advisory board is currently conducting a survey among the county's older adults and invites you to participate if you have not already done so. Participation in the survey will not require you to participate further in the program. To obtain a copy of the Survey of Technology Use by Older Adults, simply click on the link below and print it out. Instructions for completing and submitting it are included in the survey. If you do not have access to a printer but would like to complete a survey, simply call OCCOA at 732-1122. We'll be happy to send you a copy.
Link to Printable Survey:
uploads/file/DJW%20FACT%20GRANT%20FINAL%20SURVEY%20OCCOA_-_Survey_of_Tech_Use_by_Older_Adults_-_FINAL%20_2_.pdf
To learn more about the Technology & Aging Program, please be sure to read the June 2008 Prime Times found on this website. Just click on Prime Times in sidebar and click on the June 2008 Prime Times link!
Mary Fox - Technology & Aging Program Coordinator