Calling all seniors!

Use technology to boost your mental health & safety.

Welcome to Alia Asher’s Gold Award Project Page! This website is dedicated to helping seniors learn to use their phones and technology as a tool to boost their mental health and safety.

Alia presenting Technology 101 to a room of seniors

Why this project matters

Research has shown that staying socially connected is one of the most important factors for healthy aging. Unfortunately, nearly one in four older adults experiences social isolation, and prolonged loneliness has been associated with higher risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and even physical health problems.

A smartphone can't replace spending time with people in person, but it can make it much easier to stay connected with family, friends, neighbors, and your community and can also make everyday life safer. Phones can help you quickly contact emergency services, share your location with loved ones, receive medication reminders, detect falls on certain devices, and provide important health and weather alerts.

Phones can also support brain health. Learning new skills—like navigating apps, solving puzzles, or using memory tools—encourages your brain to form new neural connections. Scientists call this neuroplasticity, which is your brain's remarkable ability to adapt and continue learning throughout life. In other words, you're never too old to learn something new, and every new skill helps keep your mind active.

In the classroom

Learning together

Photos from the in-person tech literacy seminars and hands-on help sessions.