Technology has disrupted expectations about the aging process and access to digital skills training advances equity in aging. Partnering with Senior Planet, Elder Services offers free in-person computer skills classes to adults aged 60 and better. Contact Denise at 508-258-2299 or denise.magnett@escci.org to register for any of the lectures, workshops, classes listed here or to receive information about future offerings.
Senior Planet offers evidence-based curriculum developed by Older Adults Technology Services (OATS). For twenty years, OATS has been working collaboratively with seniors to measure, evaluate and improve the effectiveness of their content and methods. Senior Planet operates in partnership with AARP. This free program is partially underwritten by generous grants from the Comcast/NBC/Universal Foundation, the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation, the Kelley Foundation and the Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SMARTPHONE
“Getting to Know your Smartphone” is an introduction to the wonders of having a minicomputer at your fingertips. We’ll learn about smartphone anatomy, the necessary gestures for use, what’s on our home screen, and how to access the control panel. We’ll also talk about accessing the control panel and adjusting settings, as well as tips and best practices, especially how to secure your device. Bring your own phone and let’s explore together.
- Falmouth Community Veterans Center, 300 Dillingham Avenue, Falmouth
- Wednesday, July 23, 2025
- 12:30 p.m.
EXPLORING AND DOWNLOADING APPS FOR YOUR IPHONE
During this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to search for and download apps to your iPhone. We’ll explore the Apple App store and cover some helpful considerations for choosing apps. You’ll also learn how to uninstall apps and how to adjust some important app settings.
PRE-REQUISITES: Participants should bring their iPhone to class. Please note that this workshop focuses on downloading apps on your smartphone and will not cover every smartphone question.
- Harwich Council on Aging, 100 Oak Street, Harwich
- Thursday, July 31, 2025
- 10:00 a.m.
EXPLORING AND DOWNLOADING APPS ANDROID
During this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to search for and download apps to your Android phone. We’ll explore the Google Play store and cover some helpful considerations for choosing apps. You’ll also learn how to uninstall apps and how to adjust some important app settings.
PRE-REQUISITES: Participants should bring their Android smartphone to class. Please note that this workshop focuses on downloading apps on your smartphone and will not cover every smartphone question.
- Harwich Council on Aging, 100 Oak Street, Harwich
- Thursday, August 14, 2025
- 10:00 a.m.
COMPUTER ESSENTIALS (3 offerings this fall!)
This 5-week course will cover the essentials of how to use the basic functions of a personal computer, how to safely navigate the internet, how to organize electronic files, how to send and receive email, and much more. By the end of the course, you’ll have a foundation for using a computer and the internet to enrich your life!
PRE-REQUISITES: None. This course is designed for people who have never used a computer or have very little experience and want a solid introduction.
MassHire Career Center, 372 North Street, Hyannis
- Mondays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. – noon
- September 8 – October 10, 2025
Bourne Council on Aging, 239 Main St, Buzzards Bay
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1:00 -2:30 p.m.
- September 9 – October 8, 2025
Harwich Council on Aging, 100 Oak Street, Harwich
- Mondays and Thursdays from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
- September 15 – October 16, 2025
