Tech Angels Help Seniors in Irvington
Tech Angels Help Seniors in Irvington
Irvington High School students now offer technology help to seniors at the Irvington Library - at no charge
by Janine Annett
Irvington — Downloading an app, sharing a photo, or adjusting the volume on a smartphone might seem intuitive to Generation Z — but many senior citizens struggle to keep up with the latest technology. Fortunately, Rivertowns seniors now have “Tech Angels” who can help them.
Through the end of the summer, Irvington High School students will be on hand each Saturday from 10:30 AM to noon to help seniors with everything tech-related. And best of all — it’s free.
According to the Pew Research Center, four out of ten seniors now own smartphones, about one-third of seniors own tablet computers and one in five own e-readers. 34% of Americans aged 65 and up use social networking sites like Facebook or X (formerly Twitter). However, many older adults face difficulties when using technology, from physical challenges to a lack of comfort or familiarity with newer tech. Only 26% of internet users who are 65 or older say they feel very confident when using computers, smartphones, or other electronic devices. Seniors are more likely than those in other age groups to say they need other people to show them how to use new devices.
Luke Mitchell, a rising senior at Irvington High School, is leading the charge when it comes to helping local seniors figure out how to use technology. He contacted the Irvington Library to ask about having student volunteers offer their technology skills to any library patron with tech questions or problems — like needing help with email, apps, or phone settings — and was directed to YA Librarian Linda Moser. Mitchell created a flyer, which Moser posted in the library and Mitchell and the other high school volunteers also distributed to key organizations such as the Irvington Senior Center.
“I got the idea for Tech Angels after years of helping my grandparents with their technology issues. I thought I could offer the same support to those who may not have grandchildren to depend upon,” said Mitchell.
Moser expects the Tech Angels group to be warmly received. Her experience with other student-led volunteer groups from Irvington High School offering programs and services as the library “has been nothing but extraordinarily successful and fun,” she told the Rivertowns Current. The Irvington Library has previously partnered with youth groups on initiatives such as a Halloween Costume Drive, a Food Drive, a Sports Equipment Swap, and more.
“The student volunteers have, without exception, been incredibly competent, productive, and conscientious in their tasks at the library. I adore them,” said Moser.
Mitchell was partly inspired by other local high schoolers offering tech help to seniors in Westchester, such as Josh Topf and Avery Yee, students at Edgemont Jr./Sr. High School, who also help seniors with their pressing technology needs. Topf and Yee have held tech help sessions at several community and senior centers in Westchester County. Topf was recently interviewed by Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner and Pace Professor Pauline Mosley about his volunteer work with seniors.
The Irvington Library has held one Tech Angel session so far, and Mitchell described it as a success. “I look forward to seeing how the program grows,” he said.
For more information about Tech Angels and other programs at the Irvington Library, visit https://irvingtonlibrary.org/.
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