About Me and My Project

My name is Alia Asher, and I'm a 16-year-old Ambassador Girl Scout with Troop 5325 in Los Angeles, CA.

This website, as well as a series of tech literacy classes, are part of my Gold Award project helping seniors use their phones and technology to improve their mental health and safety.

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This project is especially meaningful to me because it brings together two things that I care deeply about: my grandparents, who I have the privilege of living with, and my passion for psychology and cognitive science. Living with my grandparents has given me a firsthand appreciation for the wisdom, experience, and resilience that older adults bring to the world. It has also shown me some of the challenges that technology can create because it changes so quickly. Just when you think you’ve got something down, some new version comes out and we have to sometimes learn all over again.

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Also, many older people think smartphones as complicated or even frustrating. But from a cognitive science perspective, they can also be powerful tools for improving mental well-being, strengthening relationships, exercising the brain, and helping us stay safer and more independent.

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I created curriculum and taught classes through the Venice Japanese Community Center’s Senior Wellness Program. The program is funded by Keiro, a non profit that provides support for older adults, caregivers and the community.

I also worked with Senior Dana Deliveries through the Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and made these cute “Tech Tip” cards that were included in their regular care packages for seniors.

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Through my in person classes and Tech Tip cards, I have been able to reach hundreds of seniors in my community – helping them use technology to better themselves and their lives!