Bridging Generations, One Device at a Time: Murdoch MacKay Students Help Seniors Go Digital

Forgotten passwords. Mysterious pop-ups. Photos that seem to disappear into thin air. We’ve all experienced tech problems that annoy us. For many seniors, navigating ever-changing technology can feel frustrating—but thanks to students from Murdoch MacKay Collegiate’s leadership group, help for some seniors has only been a conversation away this year.

The students are volunteering in a unique drop-in technology program at Transcona Council for Seniors Inc. where they help seniors tackle everything from smartphone settings to email issues, and more, building confidence, connection, and community along the way.

“The Transcona Council for Seniors Inc. partnered with the school to help seniors learn how to use their iPhones, iPads, and other devices,” said Lorri Dahl, Seniors Resource Finder at the council. “Seniors are eager to learn but sometimes hesitant when it comes to technology. The informal gathering, sitting on-on-one with a student, gives them a relaxed experience that allows them to learn on their own terms. They all want to come back for more sessions because the students make it so easy for them.”

The students said that the seniors arrive with all kinds of technology issues—it can be as simple as adjusting the brightness or sound or texting family members, or more complicated like making video calls or using apps like Door Dash to order food. Student Kaily Gavidia who participates in the program noted that some of the seniors are distrustful about the online world and worry about being hacked.

“A lot of it feels commonsense to us, but it’s not for them,” said Sairi Laxamana, another one of the students involved in the program. “But we’re not just teaching them about technology. We get to hear their stories as well.”

That kind of connection is another benefit of the program.

“Intergenerational programming is a key component in strengthening community connections,” said Lorri. “First and foremost, for the senior, it provides an opportunity for social connection, decreasing isolation and loneliness. Secondly, and just as importantly, it gives both seniors and youth an opportunity to share life experiences, wisdom, and new ideas filled with hopes and dreams.”

The students practice some of the global competencies that RETSD schools try to instill in students such as citizenship and communication. At the same time, they are learning about their community, aging, and all kinds of topics shared by the seniors.

“They talk about where they’ve lived and how different their lives were as kids,” said Danielle Elphick, another student. “Being outside more, not having technology. And about their families.”

The program changes how the seniors see youth, and vice versa.

“It breaks down stereotypes,” said Lorri. “Our seniors walk away feeling a renewed hope for the future knowing there are remarkable young people getting ready to lead the future generation, while students get to see that seniors are intelligent, vibrant members of the community who have purpose and meaning – that life isn’t over just because we’re aging.”

The students have appreciated their time with the seniors, learning as much as they are helping.

“It makes me not be so afraid to get older,” said Sairi. “Talking to them, it makes you realize there’s a lot you can do.”

Teacher Andrew Westwood guides the leadership program. He said that there are 30-40 students in leadership, but only a portion are involved in each initiative, such as the technology program. The students choose what they want to be involved in.

“These students have given up many hours to bring positivity to the school and their community,” said Andrew. “We’re very proud of them.”

“Being involved with this program has inspired me to want to help and learn more,” said Danielle.