Faculty conduct outreach through Lifelong Learning Program

Drs. Vanessa Reyes and Kathy Lohr partnered with the Lifelong Learning Program over the past two semesters. This collaboration has allowed them to connect with older adults and explore their experiences with digital technology. One key event, “Leading an Easier Life in the Digital Era: Lunch and Learn,” helped the faculty team gather valuable survey data on the challenges older adults face when managing, archiving and protecting online information. They also examined intergenerational dynamics, including how younger family members assist with navigating technology, and explored the broader impact of personal digital archiving on aging well.

Dr. Lohr led “Rock, Paper, Scissors: Lifelong Learning for Healthy Aging,” a session that highlighted the importance of lifelong learning in supporting mental and emotional well-being. The discussions reinforced that adapting to technology can be an empowering experience, rather than an intimidating one.

Finally, Drs. Reyes and Lohr hosted “Bringing the Library to You,” featuring Ms. Vatoyia Gardner from ECU’s Joyner Library, alongside Dr. Lohr and ECU graduate student Hari Aligineni. This session gave participants an inside look at Joyner Library’s many resources and showed them how to access reliable information. These sessions have provided significant insights into how this specific group of older adults engages with digital tools, and the faculty members are excited to build on this work in the future.