TechServeTO

Technology meets older adults

TechServeTO was founded in April 2020.

In light of the destructive COVID-19 pandemic, we resolved to have a positive impact on people suffering from its implications. We saw our grandparents, whom we live with, struggling with everyday technology usage. So we thought to ourselves – if they didn’t have us living with them, how would they connect with families, friends, and loved ones? How could they maintain a good level of physical and mental health while observing social distancing measures.

Then we did our research, and what we found was concerning. According to a recent study, 78% of seniors aged 65-75 owned a smartphone, but only reported “moderate”levels of confidence in using them.

TechServeTO is our solution – connecting digital-native millennial volunteers with older adults who just need a little bit of technical help to improve their everyday lives. Today, TechServeTO is a federally incorporated non-profit that provides services across Canada to older adults through 1v1 sessions, workshops in partnerships with older adults’ associations, and a set of financial literacy resources. Our mission is: “We want all older adults in Canada to build their digital literacy skills and become confident in using technology.” Although our organization was founded as a COVID-response initiative, we think that our mission to help older adults with digital literacy skills endures for the years to come.