Virtual Senior Center Program Hits New York City

We came across a fascinating story in the New York Daily News about virtual senior community centers, which we felt compelled to share with our readers.

New York City’s Department of Aging has teamed up with Microsoft to provide seniors who can’t leave their home with complimentary computers and video conferencing technology, so they could interact with older adults at the the Benjamin Rosenthal Senior Center in Queens. As Milton Greidinger, one of the six seniors in the program explains, “it took me out of the nearly dead group and put me in the alive group.”

From the comfort of their own home, Milton and his fellow home-ridden seniors can play a game of cards, partake in light exercises, and have a chat with friends who are at the Benjamin Rosenthal Senior Center in Queens. Adele Lerner from Queens, age 103, is among the virtual attendees. “I can see them dancing, and I feel like dancing myself.”

So far, the cyber senior program seems like a resounding success. The service is currently in its infantile stages but might grow as the city of New York is looking to modernize their current out-of-date senior centers.

Cyberseniors Use Technology To See Their Pals – (New York Daily News)