OLD BRIDGE – During a month-long project, seniors at the Old Bridge Silver Lining Center took selfies doing a variety of activities from exercise to dancing to shopping, and at special events.
This led the center to achieve first place in the Technology category in the National Institute of Senior Center Programs of Excellence contest.
The nationwide contest is held yearly by the National Council on Aging, designed to honor and promote efforts made by senior centers throughout the nation to offer innovative, creative and replicable programs for older adults, according to information provided by Old Bridge Township.
“This is wonderful news for our community and we are honored to receive this award,” Mayor Owen Henry said in the statement. “The winning of this award is proof of the great work that happens at our Silver Linings Center”
The “Selfie Project” served to empower seniors through technology. Learning and adapting to new technology is not only challenging but also frustrating for an older adult. Anxiety, resistance, anticipation, confusion, stress and uncertainty are common feelings when trying to overcome a learning gap, according to the statement. To eliminate resistance to learning something new, organizers encouraged seniors to use their smart phones to take photos and “selfies” they could text and share with family and friends. The photos were then imported into an old-fashioned Polaroid photo.
The selfie had to include a hashtag, which taught seniors about Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat as well.
The center also created a “Selfie Project” bulletin board to display their work.
