Two dozen older Manatee residents get connected with the web in new pilot program

MANATEE -- For most of us, the first time using a search engine like Google is a sort of digital magic that unites us with the world.

Now, a group of older Manatee County residents may experience the magic.

Meals on Wheels PLUS, Manatee's provider of hot meals for the needy, has been selected as one of seven organizations nationwide to pilot the Digital Aging Mastery Program, Meals on Wheels announced in a news release Monday. The Digital Aging Mastery Program is supported by the National Council on Aging, which aims to educate older, isolated adults in the use of computer tablets.

The 25 clients are all 60 years or older, have limited income and are not regular users of computers and tablets.

"This program is changing the lives of those who participate," said Maribeth Phillips, Meals on Wheels chief executive officer. "Having access to the internet opens up a whole new world of information, connection and entertainment for those who are at risk of being isolated."

The participants have each received a personal tablet pre-loaded with a special software platform called "Breezie," which is

specifically designed to make it easier to get online.

Participants get weekly trainings on topics such as keyboard instruction, text, email, internet, making contacts on Facebook and communicating with family and friends online, the release states.

Participants are emailing family and friends around the world, locating their childhood homes using Google Maps and even skyping with grandchildren who live far away, the release states.

Information: 941-747-4655 or mealsonwheelsplus.org.

Richard Dymond, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7072 or contact him via Twitter@RichardDymond.

This story was originally published October 19, 2015 at 11:46 PM with the headline "Two dozen older Manatee residents get connected with the web in new pilot program ."