Let’s Stay in Touch during COVID 19
Funded by New Horizons for Seniors Grant in 2021-2022, this project created OSSCO©’s Senior’s Virtual Learning Hub Programs, which are known as TeleLearning programs. The project focused on helping seniors connect with peers and learn to use technology for real human connections and continuous learning. Seniors developed new and meaningful relationships while remaining at home during COVID-19 through activities. Every week, older learners were engaged in focused, unique and practical learning that gave them new knowledge to deal with aging. Through discussion with knowledge experts as well as follow-up and feedback, learners able to thrive during a time of restricted activities. To remove barriers to access, learning activities were offered on Zoom and by Teleconference and were tuition free.
During COVID-19, seniors stayed connected to peers, developed new relationships and reduced social isolation. This project helped Ontario older adults and seniors shift to a society where they are comfortable using technology for virtual learning and social networking. Several programs were offered in the evening, recognizing the diverse seniors’ community. As well, 2-new programs on elder abuse awareness, and exclusively developed for and offered by OSSCO© are: My Home, My Community – Safety Starts Here (seniors living in retirement homes) https://vimeo.com/695699126/0042728b84 and My LTC Home, My Community: Everyone’s Safety Starts Here (seniors living in LTC homes) https://vimeo.com/695698933/04598ca1cc