It’s never too late to join the digital revolution – just take a look at the 92 year old of Queen of England’s Instagram feed.
Although none of us have the resources of royalty, it’s still possible to embrace new technologies and learn digital skills – for free. Whether you need a basic introduction to computers or to an iPad, want to set up your own website for your business, get up to speed on social media or online banking, or learn how to use technology to make your voice heard, there’s a place to go for free, in-person tech help: Senior Planet! There are two Senior Planet Exploration Centers, one in New York City and one in upstate New York. Additionally, Senior Planet programs are available in Montgomery County, MD; San Antonio, TX; Denver, CO, as well as at partner sites throughout metropolitan New York City.
And don’t worry, being a “techie” is not a requirement for Senior Planet membership; one of its most popular courses, “Computer Basics,” is designed for people who have never turned on a computer or touched a mouse.
The Program Associate at the Senior Planet Exploration Center in Chelsea, Elizabeth Pooran, notes that all courses are designed to be taught at a steady pace to accommodate members at all different levels. “Our classes [offer a] welcoming environment where no question is regarded as ‘dumb,’” she says. “Everyone in the classroom gets the attention they need. In addition, our curriculum is designed in a way that allows users to learn necessary and basic skills step-by-step, with many opportunities to practice and ask questions.”
Membership, which is free to adults over 60, offers perks such as free classes, frequent workshops and one 20-minute Tech Talk per day about a specific computer, tablet, or smartphone-related issue. The trainers and volunteer staff earn high marks for aptitude and attitude, members say. “Trainers are very patient and understanding, and take time to offer extra help to those who need it,” says T.L. Brooks, 68, a member who has been taking classes at Senior Planet since 2016.
Each course – whether it’s Computer Basics, Beyond the Basics, iPad essentials, or Social Media – is designed specifically for older adults, and incorporates a free, in-depth course book to help participants retain what they’ve learned. “The books allow students to continue practicing,” says Pooran, adding that trainers make sure to touch on the previous lesson in each class.
The free 5- and 10- week classes, which are offered at all Senior Planet locations (the list is here) are great reasons to join. But as member Lillet Roach, 69, explains, the reasons for joining go way beyond the classroom. “You meet a lot of friends from different walks of life, listen to their experiences, and they listen to you. The atmosphere is out of this world.”
Want to get your tech on?
The Senior Planet Exploration Center at 127 West 25th Street, Manhattan, is hosting a “Course Information Fair” on Thursday, March 28th from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm and Monday, April 1st from 1:30 am to 4:30 pm. “”If you are interested in taking a course at Senior Planet I encourage you to attend one of our Course Information Fairs,” says Aaron Santis, Senior Planet’s Program Manager. “The Course Fair is an excellent opportunity to talk directly to trainers, read through our course books and discover which course is best for you.”
Registration for the Spring Quarter in Chelsea is April 2 (Foundational Courses), April 3rd (Health and Wellness and Financial Security Courses) and April 4th (Creative Expression, Social Engagement, Civic Engagement Courses) starting at 10:15 am (doors open at 10 am, get there early for a first-come, first-served spot). Courses begin the week of April 8th, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and run through June 14th. If you have questions about your skills or ability to participate in a particular course, please call 646-590-0615, or come to the center for one of our Course Information Fairs.”
For information about classes and registration in upstate New York, Montgomery County, MD, San Antonio, or Denver, CO check their websites.
Senior Planet will be offering classes at over 50 community-based sites across the five boroughs of New Your City. You can find a list of the Senior Planet satellite labs here. Call the labs to find out their hours or get more information.
…introducing “Work!” the newest course at the Senior Planet Exploration Center in NYC
The Spring course offerings will include “Work!” a new 10-week course designed to help members looking for work to navigate the maze of social media, “age-proof” their resumes, write a modern resume and cover letter using Google Docs templates, and use job search websites. The course — with the help of a free take-home Work! book — also offers tips on writing professional emails, emailing attachments, uploading files, and how to ace a video interview. Senior Planet members outside of New York City should check our location list for the nearest Senior Planet Exploration Center to inquire about a local “Work!” course.
COMMENTS
7 responses to “Free classes to get digital in work, money and more”
Pleasant! The data I overcame this blog has truly encouraged me in understanding this That was something, I was frantically searching for, fortunately I discovered this at the opportune time.
I will be attending the session today at 10;30 am. From Denise John
I would like to receive the Spring Shedule for the free computer classes.
Thank you.
I’m tryiing to find out when and where the classses in Denver are and how to register.
How about a Center in Cincinnati?
What about offering classes online on the internet. That way people aren’t left out because of limited in person sites
How about a Center in the Chicago area!
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Upcoming Online Classes
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0 events,
13 events,
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
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Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
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31
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
In this lecture you’ll learn about popular smartphones on the market and some of their pros and cons.
Job Searching in the Digital Age
Job Searching in the Digital Age
This lecture will provide an overview of how to use social media in your job search, demonstrate digital job searching tools like LinkedIn, and offer tips and advice to job seekers.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
13 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Assisi, Italy
Discover Live: Assisi, Italy
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Assisi, Italy!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
語音助理
語音助理
快來了解 Alexa、Siri 和其他語音助理可以為您做什麼!
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Crowdfunding for a Cause
This lecture will give an overview of donation-based crowdfunding and explore two popular platforms used by individuals and nonprofits to raise money: GoFundMe and Facebook Fundraisers.
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2
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Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mindfulness Apps
Mindfulness Apps
This lecture introduces mindfulness and its physical and mental benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving memory, and lowering blood pressure.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「管理個人隱私簡介」開放問答室 (Intro to Managing Your Privacy Open Lab)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「管理個人隱私簡介」開放問答室 (Intro to Managing Your Privacy Open Lab)
這堂開放討論活動適於解答您聆聽過關於「管理個人隱私簡介」 講座中的疑惑。
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Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Learn how online tools can help you stay informed and get your voice heard.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Smartphone Photography
Smartphone Photography
Come to this lecture to explore your smartphone's camera and some features like recording video, adding filters to pictures, and using your camera's timer!
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
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4
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5
12 events,
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Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Telemedicine
Telemedicine
This lecture provides an overview of telemedicine options and focuses on exploring virtual medical appointments with your doctor in real-time.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
7
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
All Things Zoom
All Things Zoom
This lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family, and take virtual classes with Senior Planet!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Introduction to TikTok
Introduction to TikTok
This presentation will introduce you to TikTok, its rise to global popularity, and most common features, including privacy settings.
12 events,
8
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
In this introductory lecture, we'll go over what you need to start your first meeting, as well as some hosting tips to make it a success.
Cancelled – Fit Fusion Workout
Cancelled – Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
YouTube
YouTube
歡迎您來學習如何使用 YouTube。
iPhones
iPhones
In this lecture you’ll learn about the latest iPhone, its features and what to consider if you’re thinking of buying one.
16 events,
9
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
How to Choose a New Computer
How to Choose a New Computer
This informational session addresses some of the most common questions surrounding how to choose a new computer.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 虛擬博物館導覽 (Virtual Museum Tours)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 虛擬博物館導覽 (Virtual Museum Tours)
在家中舒適地參觀世界著名的博物館!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
8 events,
10
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Digital Scrapbooking Tools
Digital Scrapbooking Tools
Say goodbye to paper cuts! Come learn about digital scrapbooking tools.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Social Media for Job Searches
Social Media for Job Searches
In this lecture, we’ll discuss ways to make sure social media helps you when you’re looking for work!
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
11
0 events,
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11 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
How smart are they? We'll tell you all about smartphones.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Move, breathe and flow during this gentle, slow, flowing form of exercise
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14
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
Introduction to Social Media
Introduction to Social Media
Learn about some of the more popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
12 events,
15
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
A.I. 人工智能簡介
A.I. 人工智能簡介
快來和 ChatGPT 聊天,了解 A.I.!
Ride Sharing Apps
Ride Sharing Apps
This presentation will explore ride sharing apps, which are also known as e-hailing apps.
Wellness Wednesday: Body Weight Workouts for Building Strength
Wellness Wednesday: Body Weight Workouts for Building Strength
Join 2023 Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete Della Adams to learn about building strength with body weight workouts!
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16
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「虛擬博物館導覽」 開放問答室 (Virtual Museum Tours Open Lab)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「虛擬博物館導覽」 開放問答室 (Virtual Museum Tours Open Lab)
這堂開放討論活動適於解答您聆聽過關於 「虛擬博物館導覽」講座中的疑惑。
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Need a vacation? Learn about popular websites and apps for booking vacation rentals.
8 events,
17
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Learn how online tools can help you stay informed and get your voice heard.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Internet of Things: Entertainment
This lecture will explore the many ways we interact with IoT on a day-to-day basis and take a look at how it’s revolutionizing entire industries.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
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0 events,
19
12 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Veterans Tour in Washington, DC
Discover Live: Veterans Tour in Washington, DC
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual Veterans Tour in Washington, DC!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
All Things Zoom
All Things Zoom
This lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family, and take virtual classes with Senior Planet!
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
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21
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Learn about tools to help you be a part of the movement and support racial justice!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
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22
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Sharing the news? Learn to read and check sources before sharing!
行動健康應用程式
行動健康應用程式
來聽聽看市面上一些受歡迎的健康應用程式的簡介。
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Online Rx Drug Resources
Online Rx Drug Resources
Learn helpful tools for understanding drug costs, comparing pharmacy prices, and finding discounts and coupons.
0 events,
23
0 events,
24
0 events,
25
0 events,
26
13 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage
Learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that lets you store documents, images, and other media files remotely.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
16 events,
28
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Can tech give you a green thumb? Come to this lecture to find out!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
12 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a special holiday tour in Paris, France!
虛擬博物館導覽
虛擬博物館導覽
在家中舒適地參觀世界著名的博物館!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Messaging Apps
Messaging Apps
This lecture will go over the features of three widely-used apps: iMessages, Hangouts, and WhatsApp.
16 events,
30
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Come learn about QR codes, augmented reality apps, and more!
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
9 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
A simple plan is better than no plan! Get to know a few free and low-cost resources that make it simple to plan your estate.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Come learn how the medical industry is embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to treat patients remotely.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
2
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Job Searching in the Digital Age
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Assisi, Italy
Fit Fusion Workout
語音助理
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Mindfulness Apps
Chair Yoga
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「管理個人隱私簡介」開放問答室 (Intro to Managing Your Privacy Open Lab)
Morning Stretch
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Smartphone Photography
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Telemedicine
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Translation Tools
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
All Things Zoom
Chair Yoga
Introduction to TikTok
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
Cancelled – Fit Fusion Workout
YouTube
iPhones
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
How to Choose a New Computer
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 虛擬博物館導覽 (Virtual Museum Tours)
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Digital Scrapbooking Tools
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Social Media for Job Searches
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Fit Fusion Workout
Smartphones at a Glance
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
MyChart
Introduction to Social Media
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Fit Fusion Workout
A.I. 人工智能簡介
Ride Sharing Apps
Wellness Wednesday: Body Weight Workouts for Building Strength
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「虛擬博物館導覽」 開放問答室 (Virtual Museum Tours Open Lab)
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Morning Stretch
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Veterans Tour in Washington, DC
Fit Fusion Workout
All Things Zoom
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Affordable Home Internet
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
行動健康應用程式
Fit Fusion Workout
Online Rx Drug Resources
Morning Stretch
Cloud Storage
Fit Fusion Workout
Mobile Health Apps
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Chair Yoga
MyChart
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
虛擬博物館導覽
Fit Fusion Workout
Messaging Apps
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Money Matters
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
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