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New Technology Center available to seniors

The McMinn Senior Activity Center has announced a new Technology Center is available to seniors in the community.

If you are an adult aged 50 or older, you can visit the center and use the new computers to check email, use the internet or listen to music Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

These technology upgrades are a result of a partnership between Tech Goes Home Tennessee, West End Home Foundation and the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability. Through a Tech Goes Home assessment, the organizations’ partnership with the center resulted in a four-desktop computer lab, two laptops for staff use, a giant whiteboard and an internet extender to ensure all spaces have access to high-speed internet.

The center has also been offering classes on how to use the computers as well as how to search the internet and other useful skills such as streaming movies, music and audiobooks. The center will be adding more classes in the future.

Today, 59% of seniors report they go online — a six-point increase over a year — and 47% say they have a high-speed broadband connection at home. In addition, 77% of older adults have a cellphone — up from 69% in April 2012.

“Despite these gains, seniors continue to lag behind younger Americans when it comes to tech adoption,” said Diane Hutsell, McMinn Senior Activity Center Executive Director. “The center is here to help close that gap.”

For information on the Technology Center or any other program at the McMinn Senior Activity Center, call 423-745-6830, visit www.mcminnseniors.com or find the center on Facebook.

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Senior News:

Active Aging Senior Expo is Oct. 12

The annual Active Aging Senior Expo, the area’s largest senior expo, is coming back to McMinn County and guests are invited to share their aging services, housing options, caregiver services, recreational activities, volunteering, finances, health care, health and wellness, and other programs in this community.

Sponsored by the McMinn Senior Activity Center, the event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, at the center, located at 205 McMinn Avenue in Athens. Admission is free, and seniors from throughout McMinn County and surrounding areas are invited to attend.

According to a news release, “The expo is expected to draw seniors, family members and caregivers all seeking ways to keep seniors healthy, active and involved in our community.”

Booth space is limited and is expected to fill quickly. Exhibitors will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. A prompt reply is strongly encouraged.

Those interested may register as a vendor for $50 plus a $5 processing fee charged for credit card payment or as a Title Sponsor for $250. Vendors will receive a table and two chairs for their booth. Title Sponsors will receive one of 10 reserved sponsorship booth spaces in a prime location (end caps). Title Sponsors will also receive name recognition and their logo on all expo publicity materials and links on social media and the center’s website.

“This event will help seniors become more knowledgeable about the services and programs available in our community to help them lead more active and productive lives,” said Diane Hutsell, Executive Director of the McMinn Senior Activity Center. “Older adults are the fastest growing market in the nation. However, the transition into senior years and retirement life today is significantly different than it has been in the past with more active older adults, improved health care, wellness options, educational opportunities, travel and technology enhancements.”

“McMinn County is rich with resources, and I don’t just mean the Senior Activity Center,” Hutsell continued. “When you come to the expo, there’s going to be so much in one place that you’re going to be able to interact with.”

For more information on the Active Aging Senior Expo, contact the Senior Center at 423-745-6830 or visit www.mcminnseniors.com