Programs

Seniors and Social Media: Connecting Generations Through Technology

Bridging the generation gap between senior citizens and young people is a critical part of building a healthy and strong community. Seniors and Social Media is a program that brings students and seniors from Halton together to experience the benefits of intergenerational mentorship and social media. Developed in partnership by the Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC), with support from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors initiative, the Halton Catholic District School Board and the Halton District School Board.

The program's objective is for Halton seniors to share their stories with local elementary school students, who capture these moments on film, creating a digital keepsake that provides lasting value to all involved.

After the students film and produce their projects, an event will be held for the students to present their videos to the seniors and members of the community. The videos will be stored on a password protected website, which will allow the students and seniors to share their videos with family and friends.

Select schools from the Halton District School Board and the Halton Catholic District School Board will be participating in the program this Fall 2010. Program funding has been provided by HIEC and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, under the New Horizons for Seniors program.

Fun for everyone!

Seniors living in Halton, both from assisted living facilities and those living independently will also be invited to participate.

The Seniors and Social Media program spans approximately four weeks and includes:

• Program overview from HIEC staff
• Technology training
• Interview with seniors
• Final video presentation
• Sensitivity training

What will this program do for our community?

• Increase online participation amongst seniors by providing them with the knowledge and tools required to operate the password protected website.
• Give Halton's youth the opportunity to hear stories from senior citizens and learn about the various life pathways they have experienced.

• Help make for a more inclusive community where all generations can connect in a comfortable web-based setting, while building a culture of mentorship in Halton.
• Teach Halton's youth and seniors about new forms of technology, specifically video production and social media.
• Benefit both students and seniors as they take part in intergenerational mentorship by working together to teach each other about modern technology and life experiences.

Thank you to our supporters:

Want to get involved? Contact:
Lindsay Simmons
905.634.2575 ext.16
lsimmons@hiec.on.ca