For Immediate Release: Friday, May 1, 2020
Senior Planet Montgomery, a technology training program designed for County learners 60 and older, is offering free online classes that focus on how to thrive at home. Classes, which are offered live via video conference, enhance a wide variety of life skills. Classes May 4-8 will feature smart lightbulbs, YouTube and Zoom video conferencing.
In addition to classes in English, three classes during May 4-8 will be delivered in Spanish. A variety of exercise classes also will be offered.
Since the first virtual Senior Planet Montgomery class was offered on March 23, more than 2,300 participants have joined programs. Future classes in May will feature topics such as streaming services, podcasts, online shopping, staying safe online, telemedicine and reading utility bills online.
The program is supported by the County’s Department of Technology Services’ ultraMontgomery program in partnership with nonprofit OATS (Older Adults Technology Services). The County’s Department of Recreation and Montgomery County Public Libraries also are partners in helping provide the classes at no charge to participants.
Sessions concentrate on user-friendly tools and resources and are designed to enable older adults to learn to utilize technologies to improve their daily lives. Senior Planet Montgomery utilizes curriculum created by OATS, which also provides training staff and works with numerous County departments to identify topics of interest for Montgomery residents. OATS sponsors similar Senior Planet programming in six states. The County’s Department of Environmental Protection contributes to the program’s course offerings by producing sessions on how to lower energy costs.
Classes change on a weekly basis. A home internet connection and a device (such as a smartphone, tablet or computer) is all that is required to participate.
Classes to be offered May 4-8 will include:
Clases en Español:
For more information about Senior Planet Montgomery and to view its virtual program offerings, visit https://seniorplanet.org/Montgomery. The team can be contacted at 240-753-0676 or via email at mocoinfo@seniorplanet.org.
To sign up for the Senior Planet Montgomery newsletter, which includes detailed information about upcoming classes, go to https://seniorplanet.org/get-involved/newsletters/.
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Media contact: Neil Greenberger, 240-205-1915 or neil.greenberger@montgomerycountymd.gov
MAY IS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH. Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons, particularly those who defended our country. During this month we want to shed a light on the importance of the 2020 Census. By having a full count of the number of older Americans living in in the U.S., our leaders in Montgomery County, in Maryland, and at the federal level can provide the services necessary to support their needs, such as:
#2020Census; #EveryoneCountsMCMD