Scrolling through Facebook, taking selfies and searching Google is certainly commonplace for seniors in high school. But for those in their senior years of life, using the Internet can be an intimidating new world. Yet, while they don’t know where to start, many are eager to dive in and learn more about this thing called the Internet.

Senior Connection, a new Blue Cross program, was developed using inspiration from the Canadian-based Cyber Seniors. The program pairs motivated seniors with teenage mentors who teach them technology at their own pace.

"As we age, learning new skills can do wonders to improve our mental and emotional well-being. And, staying socially connected helps to combat feelings of loneliness and even depression," said Kathleen Elli, director of member engagement for Blue Cross' Medicare Stars Center of Excellence. "That is why we wanted to create the Senior Connection program. It reinforces Blue Cross’ commitment to improving the well-being of seniors in the communities we serve."

Through the program, Irondale High School students helped seniors learn technology basics. The 12-week program took place at Meadowood Shores, a senior community in New Brighton. It included about 25 residents and a dozen high schools students. While the students gave all the lessons, Blue Cross donated iPads and laptops, provided program support, and designed the curriculum.

Senior Connection makes family connection through technology

Kim Vu, one of the resident students, wanted to connect with her children and grandchildren via Facebook and text them using her iPhone.

“It’s a really good program,” she said, pointing out, with a bit of a laugh— that she now knows how to take selfies with her iPhone and can send them to her granddaughter.

And now, Vu is not only texting and video-chatting with family members who live in the U.S., but all over the world. Vu moved to the United States in 1990, but left behind family in Vietnam. For the past 26 years, she has rarely seen her family face-to-face. But now, thanks to Skype lessons, Vu regularly video chats with her sister, who lives in Vietnam.

Timing is everything

The Senior Connection came together in large part because all parties were in the right place at the right time.

Cassie Rogers, a high school junior at Irondale High School, was looking for a volunteer opportunity. At the same time, Blue Cross was looking for partners to pilot a Blue Cross version of Cyber Seniors.

So, when Rogers made a call to Blue Cross asking for help to launch a volunteer project to teach seniors technology, Senior Connection was born.

“Cassie’s call came at the right time," Elli said. "We were looking for a partner to pilot Senior Connection. Icing on the cake was finding an equally engaged partner in Su Stigney, the program director at Meadowood Shores. Their enthusiasm and dedication was critical to the program’s success.”

Rogers credits Blue Cross with making a project that seemed like a dream to become a reality. “I was surprised to see how difficult it was to organize this,” she said.

From teaching to friendship

With this support, the students and teachers alike quickly began to bond through the lessons.

“At the end of every session, everyone had big smiles,” Rogers said.

Dan Marah, one of the senior students, credits his fellow residents to be involved with the students. “Most were really willing to learn,” Marah said. “Some had put it off— had their wives take care of it— but most were willing.”

Morah, who describes himself as “pretty tech savvy” said that he received YouTube lessons. He also served as a peer mentor with his fellow classmates.

Both the seniors and teenagers credit the greatest outcome from the program being the cross-generational friendships.

“We all enjoyed it,” Rogers said. “We exchanged emails so we could keep in touch.”

They’ll also keep in touch through a follow up round of the program. That will launch in January 2017.

As part of the Senior Connection program, Blue Cross partnered with Fly Over Films to create a mini-documentary about the program. The documentary in full can be viewed here. The documentary short can be viewed on Blue Cross’ Facebook page.