When Quinn Hua walked into her first digitalLIFT workshop at a senior center in Oakland, she felt what many older adults feel when it comes to technology: overwhelmed and left behind. But by the end of the four-part series, she had a different perspective.
“Without the help from organizations like digitalLIFT, we seniors would be left behind in this era of AI. These tech classes are informative and beneficial. We learn to fully utilize our phones while staying safe. I hope your organization can continue to assist us to keep up with the speed of this digital world.”
— Quinn Hua, Workshop Participant
Quinn’s story is just one example of the impact of East Bay Connected, a digitalLIFT program designed to promote healthy aging and strengthen social connections among older adults in Alameda County and Contra Costa County.
Learning Together
Through East Bay Connected, older adults have taken part in hands-on digital literacy workshops in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Sessions cover everything from smartphone basics and cloud storage to internet safety, YouTube health resources, and Zoom meetings.
More than just classes, these workshops are spaces where older adults support one another, share their challenges, and celebrate victories—like sending a first photo to a grandchild or joining a community Zoom call without assistance.
Tami DeSellier, a partner at the Downtown Oakland Senior Center, saw the change firsthand:
“digitalLIFT did an excellent job at demystifying various digital challenges. Our seniors walked away with tools to tackle smartphone knowledge, passwords, and working with images. Their time spent individually with each member was particularly helpful and much appreciated.”
— Tami DeSellier, Programs & Special Events Committee Chairperson
More Than Tech Skills
The program’s impact goes beyond learning to use a phone or tablet. Participants are accessing online health resources, building new social connections, and gaining confidence in navigating a world that increasingly requires digital skills.
Even amid challenges—like reduced hours and staffing at Oakland senior centers—older adults have stepped up to volunteer, keeping centers open and ensuring their peers continue to have a place to gather and learn.
Our Thanks
Stories like Quinn’s and Tami’s remind us why digitalLIFT’s mission matters. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our funders. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Joseph & Vera Long Foundation for making the East Bay Connected Program a reality and helping older adults thrive in today’s digital world.
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