The Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors (TAPS) is helping its members keep up with 21st century technology, thanks to a donation by the Creston and District Credit Union.
The program recently bought two tablet computers and accessories with part of a $2,500 donation, the rest of which may be used to buy a laptop.
Some of the TAPS members are taking advantage of the tablets to develop new skills, under the tutelage of Bonnie Hurley, a member of the Krafty Kronys, a group dedicated to raising funds for TAPS.
“I didn’t know anything about it,” said Rick Merritt. “All the young people do.”
His wife already uses email, and Merritt had been considering taking a course at the College of the Rockies, but the instruction he’s received at TAPS has been a big help.
“I’ve got about eight or 10 games I play one after another,” he said, while trying Angry Birds for the first time.
Ethel Bullock been using her iPad for about nine months, and enjoys email and Facebook, through which she communicates with her grandchildren. And because her Apple device has the Facetime application, she recently spoke face-to-face with her vacationing son.
“You get that connection and it’s great,” she said.
She suggested that other seniors wanting to become familiar with technology shouldn’t give up if learning a new skill is difficult at first.
“The hard part is remembering what you’ve learned — you’ve got to keep using it,” she said. “The best way to learn is just play with it.”