Seniors at Kings Point in Tamarac experienced virtual reality, learned about technology and discussed their legacies during a Lunch and Learn event on July 15.
Heart2Heart CEO Juan Gallo led the discussion, entitled “Back to the Future.” About 50 seniors from the active living community eagerly absorbed the information he presented.
“The seniors were super engaged and wanted to learn about technology,” said Riana Samaroo, Heart2Heart Community Relations Director. “They told us that Juan’s presentation was helpful.”
Juan emphasized the older generation’s capacity to adapt to technology. During the pandemic, seniors proved they could learn new methods to connect with family and friends, he said.
The Heart2Heart CEO also offered Internet safety rules to the attendees.
The group shared their own stories about technology. One resident named Rosalind brought an animatronic companion dog to the presentation, underlining how seniors have creatively applied technology.
Some of the curious and adventurous seniors experienced virtual reality for the first time, trying out Heart2Heart’s virtual reality headset.
At the end of his presentation, Juan challenged the seniors with a question: How can you leave behind wisdom and experience for the future generation?
In response, the seniors discussed the importance of sharing and communicating those past experiences. One senior suggested that being yourself was an important aspect of passing on the wisdom gained over a lifetime.
Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale sponsored the boxed lunches and cookies for the event. Convalescent pastor Paul Applegate shared about the services the Calvary Chapel provides to the community with the help of church and Heart2Heart volunteer Les Weiner.
Staff from Kings Point said that the topic of technology had been a big draw for their residents. Heart2Heart is scheduled to give a similar presentation at Nova Southeastern University in September.
To read more about Juan’s perspective on seniors and technology, check out his Back to the Future series in Topics on Aging.
To reach seniors through technology, check out our C.A.R.E. Tech program.
