Decoding New Tech: Free Help for Seniors in Robbinsdale
With the pace technology is moving at these days, it’s not easy for anyone to keep up.
Fortunately, some who are more savvy can step in and help.
A steady stream of seniors came looking for help at a free tech support clinic at Robbinsdale City Hall on Monday, July 13.
“I could use it daily — in fact, I could use a live-in expert,” said Kathe Hetterick, one of the seniors at the event. “To have somebody who is so patient and so knowledgeable is just so extremely helpful.”
Kathe Hetterick came to a free tech support clinic at Robbinsdale City Hall with questions about her phone and laptop.
A Broader Need
Though Hetterick may feel that she’s behind, she’s far from alone in her confusion.
Gary Spears works with Senior Community Services, the group that provides these technology clinics. He’s learned that the need is great.
“They’ve got this Apple iPhone that has two million-plus things to do with it,” Spears said. “They only want to make and take phone calls, and send text messages to their grandchildren.”
The clinics are staffed by volunteers, who offer hands-on help.
Part of the goal is to ensure those with questions are able to handle things independently after they leave.
“I think just living in 2026 is, you have to leverage technology. Our job is not to convert people to technology, but it’s just helping them [learn] how to use it,” Spears said.
Spears helps one of the residents who came in looking for tech help. He said the volunteers, along with himself, often learn as they go.
The volunteers are often learning as they go.
Spears said they’re encouraged to look up solutions, or play around on the devices to find out things they might not have an answer to. That training helps everyone keep up.
“It’s helping them not feel completely overwhelmed, but know what they want to do with it,” Spears said.
How to Sign Up
Robbinsdale’s next senior tech clinic is Aug. 10, with another one offered Sept. 14. Registration is required, though the clinics are free. To register, call 763-531-1271.
Technology Services Group with Senior Community Services also offers other clinics throughout the metro based on demand. There are clinics offered weekly in Plymouth and twice a month in Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove. For the tech-savvy — they also seek volunteers.
You can find more details on upcoming clinics at the Senior Community Services’ website.
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