Los Altos High School students recently volunteered to help residents at Moldaw Family Residences, a senior living community in Palo Alto, with their technical devices.

The teen tutors worked one-on-one with the seniors, instructing them in the use of their computers and gadgets.

The assistance was very much needed, as a growing number of seniors participate in the technology wave. According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, nearly 70 percent of adults older than 65 use cellphones, more than half communicate via email and one-third of older Internet users are on Facebook.

“It was nice meeting the kids, and I got a few clues from them,” said 88-year-old Mae Briskin, a Moldaw resident. “The experience was very useful. They were able to get me started on a path to learn the rest by myself.”

Nearly a dozen teenagers participated in the training, and they plan to return once a month.

Los Altos High senior Jacqueline Scher called the experience both fun and rewarding.

“The residents were very excited about what I knew, and I did not even realize that it was that big of a deal,” she said. “One couple was thrilled that I could teach them how to download music off iTunes. I definitely want to do this again.”

Several residents signed up for the first session and said they look forward to having the teen tutors return next month.

“We were thrilled to have the teens come out to Moldaw to work with the residents,” said Miki Raver, director of lifestyles services for Moldaw Family Residences. “This was a fabulous intergenerational activity, and it helped the residents improve their technological skills. The residents like to stay current and in touch with the latest ways to communicate, and I know they were excited about this opportunity.”

For more information on Moldaw Residences, call (800) 873-9614 or visit www.moldaw.org.

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