The Riverside County Office on Aging has launched a program aimed at assisting seniors in Blythe with technology use. This initiative is designed to help them navigate devices, connect online, and enhance their quality of life.
Earlier this year, the department upgraded the Wi-Fi access at the Doris Morgan Community Center in Blythe, where it provides monthly activities and meals. Following this upgrade, the community center began introducing tablets to its participants and offering training sessions to facilitate their use. So far, 98 seniors have completed the training and received a tablet free of charge.
Supervisor V. Manuel Perez commented on the importance of technology in modern life: “Computers and Internet access are increasingly becoming necessities in life,” he said. He emphasized that this program helps bridge the gap between seniors and technology by showing how it can simplify certain aspects of life. "As the county and city work together to improve this center, this is a great new program that people will enjoy and will build community by helping people be connected.”
The Riverside County Office on Aging Tech Access Program aims to increase socialization among seniors through regular tablet use. The staff's direct assistance helps seniors become more comfortable with these devices, enabling them to develop virtual support networks with other seniors, family members, and loved ones. This connectivity also allows them to access resources and services necessary for meeting their needs.
Since August, community members have been receiving their tablets and participating in ongoing classes. Tomasa Gomez, one senior participant at the community center, expressed her gratitude: “It has allowed me to access important information and resources quickly and efficiently. It has also helped me stay connected with friends and family. I am so grateful for this gift and how it has improved my life overall."