FSU Institute Launches Zoom Initiative to Help Older Adults

Florida State University's Institute for Successful Longevity (ISL) has launched a program to help older adults use the Zoom video platform to stay connected with friends and loved ones, access learning opportunities, and maintain engagement with the community, reports the Tallahassee Democrat . "Research studies suggest that about a quarter of the U.S. older adult population suffers from loneliness, and we are concerned that this could become more widespread under the social distancing required to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus," said ISL Director Neil Charness. The ISL developed Zoom guides to help people use their computers to interact with others, based on research showing that older adults can counter isolation with technology. The how-to guides are free to the public online and cover setting up a Zoom account, and scheduling and joining Zoom meetings. ISL also is enlisting tech-savvy older adults who can help others with questions about the Zoom platform. Moreover, ISL is sharing resources with the Tallahassee Senior Center to help its clients become adept with Zoom, and working with residential communities for older adults.