With questions ranging from how to text, take video or set up voicemail, more than 30 senior citizens participated Monday in a wireless workshop hosted by AT&T and AARP.
As part of the workshop series, “Stay Connect; Stay Informed!” the seniors, received free 20-minute, one-one-one sessions with technology experts from AT&T at the Chinese Cultural Center of Madison Heights.
Ferndale resident Ruth French, 87, said she showed up to learn how to print pictures sent to her iPhone.
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“This is why I’m here,” she said, pointing to the picture of her 2-year-old great-grandson. She said his is the only picture she does not have on her wall at home since everyone texts or emails pictures these days.
Lathrup Village resident, Paul Bakeman, who works with AT&T’s sales team, showed French how to download and print her pictures and how to add phone numbers to her contacts list.
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“Can you put your number in it? “she joked, adding, “I kinda want to hang on to him.”
Detroiter Jesse Randolph, 67, brought in his Blackberry to learn how to do videos.
When asked if he knew how to access the shortcuts on his phone, he quipped: “I have no idea. I’m old school.”
Other participants hailed from Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Beverly Hills and Oak Park. Associate Regional Sales Managers Trevis Herrington and Todd Lane were among the AT&T experts helping seniors navigate wireless technology.
Whether they had questions about their smart phones or “emergency only” flip phones, it was evident that more seniors are using wireless devices to get information and to communicate with loved ones.
“We certainly see more and more of our members embracing wireless technology as a way to stay better connected with friends and family,” said Tom Kimble, volunteer president of AARP Michigan. “Access to news and information is another benefit of changing technology, and we think this one-on-one and small group approach is a great, stress-free way to help area seniors get answers to the questions they may have.”
The partnership with the AARP makes sense, said Jim Murray, president of AT&T Michigan.
“Innovation is happening so fast that questions can come up for everyone, whatever their age. As our communications network continues its transition to a more wireless platform, we know that more and more seniors are embracing wireless technology,”he said. “We are excited about working with the AARP to help residents make the most of the innovations available to them.”
