Meet Mattie, 76, a new student in our Connected NYCHA program! Learn more about the Connected NYCHA initiative here. 

 What was your experience with tech before you joined Connected NYCHA? 

Absolutely nothing! I’m from the old school…but I’m learning. 

What was it like to receive the tablet? 

So many friends had passed from COVID-19 that I was feeling really depressed. I didn’t open the box; I didn’t turn it on for over a year. 

Then I got a call from Senior Planet – I’ve been in class with them since before Christmas. Now I can turn it on, I can get on to classes. I’m slow with it, but I think I’m going great. Yesterday they told me to pat myself on the back! 

“Yesterday they told me to pat myself on the back!” 

What has the device helped you accomplish? 

I had a minister friend of mine who had a 92nd birthday last Saturday, and I was just so proud of myself to be able to get on Zoom for her virtual birthday party. That was the first time I’ve been able to do that and not for a Senior Planet class. I was very proud. 

I hadn’t seen her in years, since her 89th birthday! 

 Any words of encouragement for anyone hesitant to try out a new device? 

I’m slow, but I’m not the only one! We’re all learning. 

What does aging with attitude mean to you? 

It means I’m proud! I live a good life. 

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she runs Senior Planet’s Supporter program in addition to being a contributing writer for this site. She can be reached at supporters@seniorplanet.org.