MEDIA ADVISORY OLDER ADULTS UNRAVEL THE MYSTERIES OF SMARTPHONES

OASIS, a national nonprofit educational organization designed to enhance the quality of life for adults age 50 and older, is teaming up with AT&T locally to present two workshops to help older adults learn how to use smartphones and discover how this technology can improve their lives. The workshops will also introduce the newest health and medical devices and apps relative to senior safety and information. The first workshop took place in September with more than 80 attendees. This afternoon, AT&T will partner with OASIS to provide a second workshopmore than 85 have signed up. WHAT: This afternoons beginner course is designed to help older learners understand and use smartphones. Instructors will introduce the different types of smartphones and operating systems such as Apple iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry. Participants will learn about Apps; what they are, how to use them and how to get new Apps. Basic features will be covered including; how to access the Internet, use the camera and send emails and text messages. Also covered will be accessories and technology such as Bluetooth. The goal is to de-mystify the technology behind the phones themselves. Wednesday, October 23: 1:00 - 3:00 pm

WHEN:

WHERE: Upstate Medical University's OASIS and HealthLink Learning Center in the OASIS Lecture Hall, 6333 State Rte 298, East Syracuse, NY 13057 WHY: The workshop is part of the OASIS Connections technology training program, designed to help older adults fully participate in todays digital society. Reports released in June from the Pew Internet and American Life project show that while older adults are using devices such as smart phones and tablets in increasing numbers, they continue to lag behind the overall adult population. The proportion of adults age 65-plus with a smart phone increased from 13 percent in April 2012 to 18 percent in May 2013. Adults age 55-64 are catching up too, from 31 percent in February 2012 to 39 percent in May 2013. Moreover, tablet ownership has more than doubled for adults over 50 since April 2012 rising to 32 percent for people age 50-64 and 18 percent for age 65-plus.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For OASIS: Joan Berkman, 314-726-3484, facewatchers@swbell.net or For AT&T: Ellen Webner, 908-901-2589, Ew8237@att.com