Highland Springs, UT Dallas Are Tech-Savvy Good Neighbors

DALLAS, TX---The monopoly on the latest tech gadgets doesn't rest solely with the Millennial Generation.  
According to a report by the Pew Internet and American Life Project of the Pew Research Center, senior citizens are hitting new milestones for computer use.  For the first time ever, more than half (53 percent) of American adults over the age of 65 utilize the internet and email. 
Even cell phone ownership among this age group is rapidly growing, as 70 percent of seniors now have a mobile device, up 12 percent in just two years.
More than ever, senior citizens are utilizing technology such as Facebook, Skype and email to stay connected to family and friends.
The generations came together on July 10 as a dozen students from The University of Texas at Dallas provided "tech mentoring" to residents of Highland Springs, the Erickson Living retirement community.
In small groups, the students answered questions and provided hands-on instruction about mobile devices and computer tablets.
Marna Keith was one of forty residents of Highland Springs to attend the event.  Mrs. Keith owns an iPAD for research and photography and a 4G cell phone to text her grandchildren.  "The students from UT Dallas were wonderful," described Mrs. Keith.  "I had a few questions about printing photos and using Twitter, and they were all answered in a friendly way with clarity.  Learning should always be this fun and helpful."  
The training class marks a continuation of UT Dallas' Good Neighbors program.   Since its inception four years ago, the initiative has sent faculty each month to area senior living communities for lectures on topics ranging from exploring Mars to brain health to Frankenstein.  The program has grown to include visits by seniors to UT Dallas for concerts, library tours and sporting events.

About Highland Springs:  Highland Springs is one of sixteen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living.  Located in North Dallas, Texas, the scenic 89-acre campus is home to more than 600 residents.  Highland Springs is the ideal greater Dallas retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.

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