Senior Planet Montgomery Free Online Classes for Seniors Feb. 22-25 will include ‘Mobile Health Apps’ and ‘Tech and Energy’

For Immediate Release: Friday, February 18, 2022

Senior Planet Montgomery, a technology training program designed for County learners 50 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 for Seniors Feb. 22-25 will include “Mobile Health Apps” and “Tech and Energy.”

In addition to classes in English, one class will be taught in Spanish, and two classes will be taught in Mandarin. A variety of exercise classes also will be offered. There will not be any classes on Feb. 21 due to Presidents Day.

During the summer and fall program quarters, more than 3,000 participants joined 162 virtual programs hosted by Senior Planet Montgomery. This winter, classes will cover how to use and host on Zoom, online basics, popular social media sites, lowering one’s utility bill, financial security, and civic engagement.

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 curricula 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) are all that is required to participate.

Classes to be offered week of Feb. 22–25 will include:

• Mobile Health Apps: Tuesday, Feb. 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
• IOT and Healthcare: Thursday, Feb. 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn how the medical industry is embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to treat patients remotely. Explore cutting-edge devices from smart hearing aids to ingestible sensors, as well as popular telehealth apps.
• Hello Montgomery: Thursday, Feb. 24, 2-3 p.m. Join fellow MoCo residents for an hour of socializing
• Tech and Energy: Friday, Feb. 25, noon-1 p.m. In this lecture, learn about the top energy users in the home and what to do to spend less money on energy.

Class in Mandarin:

• 簡訊應用程式2/23, 12 - 1 p.m. 文字簡訊已經成為我們最主要的溝通方式。不過，您知道您可以透過網路連線傳送簡訊嗎？歡迎您來學習近期最熱門而不需要付費且能使用無線網路 WiFi 傳送簡訊的應用程式。這次的講座會複習三個普遍的應用程式的特徵：iMessages、 Hangouts 和 微信 WeChat。您會學習要如何傳送簡訊、圖片、使用音訊和視訊通話以及了解這些應用程式是如何確保您訊息的安全。
• 別繼續在水電天然氣費用上浪費錢2/25, 1 - 2 p.m. 文字簡訊已經成為我們最主要的溝通方式。不過，您知道您可以透過網路連線傳送簡訊嗎？歡迎您來學習近期最熱門而不需要付費且能使用無線網路 WiFi 傳送簡訊的應用程式。這次的講座會複習三個普遍的應用程式的特徵：iMessages、 Hangouts 和 微信 WeChat。您會學習要如何傳送簡訊、圖片、使用音訊和視訊通話以及了解這些應用程式是如何確保您訊息的安全。

English Translation for Class in Mandarin:

• Messaging Apps: Wednesday, Feb. 23, noon -1 p.m. Text messaging has become one of the primary ways we communicate. But did you know that you can send texts over the internet? Learn about the most popular messaging apps that allow you to send texts for free when connected to WiFi. The lecture will go over the features of three widely used apps: iMessages, Google Chat, and WhatsApp. You’ll learn about sending texts and pictures, making voice and video calls, and how these apps keep your messages secure.
• Understanding Energy Choice: Friday, Feb. 25 1-2 p.m. Did you know that as a Maryland resident, you have the option to choose who supplies your electricity? Maryland is an energy choice state where customers can choose their electricity and natural gas providers. The presentation will talk about energy choice as well as offer tips for identifying utility scams. We will also discuss ways to lower your bill without switching suppliers.

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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Release ID: 22-116
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915
Categories: Senior