Arlington Seeks Volunteers to Teach Social Media, Smartphones to Seniors

Arlington is looking for a few good volunteers to help teach seniors the ins and outs of social and mobile technology.

The county's Office of Senior Adult Programs has seen an increase in residents 55 and older who want to learn Facebook, Twitter, Skype and Instagram. They want to learn the basics of an iPad or other tablet, or how to get the most out of their smartphones.

Judy Massabny, a spokeswoman for the office, attributed part of the demand to the significant Baby Boomer population here.

Some residents just want to keep up with the latest technology. Others want to start with the most basic introductory information — folks who may have been retired for a while, for instance.

"They may have a computer, but they want to learn to use it more effectively and efficiently," Massabny told Patch. And now they're hearing this new language of Facebook, Instagram, iPads, smartphones… and they need to learn more about all these things to keep up with today's communications."

She added: "And a lot of people may not have grandchildren around to help them with these things."

Interested in volunteering? Contact Massanby at 703-228-4721 or jmassa@arlingtonva.us.

Classes are open to Arlington residents 55 and older who register with the county. The $20 annual registration covers all programs, gives you a discount on the county's senior travel program and a free bi-monthly magazine.