Classes Help Technology-Challenged Adults Learn to Use Their Devices

The Ray Hopkins Mauldin Senior Center in Greenville, S.C., hosts classes to teach older adults to familiarize themselves with technology like smartphones and tablets, reports WSPA-TV . The classes are taught by people like Bill Vicary, an instructor at OLLI Furman and graduate of the Seniors Leaders of Greenville. He also is an instructor at the Wofford Lifelong Learning Institute, a member of the Upstate Senior Network, and has worked with several senior communities and centers, and many seniors. In a typical class, Vicary walks students through turning on devices, and setting up contacts and key passwords. He also gives learners advice on spam callers and messages, and saving money on the Internet bill. His class typically features a few dozen adults older than 55. Although many students start out frustrated and confused, Vicary says he is usually able to help just about everyone.