Open Thread: How Did Senior Planet Change Your Life? - Senior Planet from AARP

I didnt know how much Senior Planet would change when I applied for an editorial post seven years ago.Back then it was a small, pioneering nonprofit seeking to disrupt aging by helping older people become tech savvy, led by an entrepreneurial visionary.We had staff meetings in one room and sat around a table with a couple of pizzas as we hashed out the issues and challenges, the innovations and opportunities.

It was a fun time of growth and challenge.And then came COVID.That was the game changer in more ways than I can relate here.During COVID, tech savvy was no longer a nice to have skill it was an imperative.It gave me a new and even more compelling sense of mission.I am almost 70 and I am the audience Senior Planet and OATS was meant to serve.

I have a sense of community with our readers and a sincere motivation to offer content that is helpful, interesting, and designed to advance the goals of readers and colleagues.And my colleagues are awesome, equally driven by a sense of mission and purpose, creativity and compassion.Beyond that, I have become less of a technophobe.I can do stuff online that I couldnt before.

I can FaceTime people, I can use Zoom, and I now download apps without fear.Im learning how to use a camera to record video, too.Ill be doing quick promo videos of past and upcoming content on Instagram soon.

There is no way I could have done that without Senior Planet.Its hard to believe that Older Adults Technology Services will be 20 this monthso lets pause a minute, raise a glass, and toast how far weve all comeand look ahead at the exciting places were headed!YOUR TURNHow did Senior Planet change your life? Share your story in the comments!Virge Randall is Senior Planets Managing Editor.She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog Dont Get Me Started puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City.Send your suggestions for Open Threads to her at [email protected].