Helping Seniors Thrive Through Technology and Community Engagement

By Julie Wein, Research Assistant, Gateway CERH | June 5, 2026

Gateway CERH Staff Members and volunteers at the June 3, 2026, Senior Summer Technology Camp

Across Ontario, seniors are the backbone of our community. In Huron County specifically, people over the age of 55 make up 42% of our population (Statistics Canada, 2021). Seniors work, volunteer, mentor, and support local organizations allowing community initiatives to take place. Yet, many seniors face barriers to staying engaged and connected, especially as more services, information, and opportunities move online.

As technology becomes more prevalent in everyday life, digital literacy is becoming increasingly important for maintaining independence, accessing services, and participating fully in community life. From plane tickets to banking to healthcare appointments, society expects that everyone is proficient in technology; however, for many rural seniors navigating this rapidly changing digital landscape can feel overwhelming.

Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) is a non-profit, charitable organization focused on implementing innovative health solutions that are effective in rural communities. Since 2008, Gateway CERH has worked alongside residents, community organizations, and healthcare partners to address health challenges unique to rural Southwestern Ontario.

Through research, community programming, and innovation, the organization is committed to helping seniors age well in their communities. Gateway CERH is leading the development of senior centered programming, starting with our weekly tech sessions offered at the Goderich Legion, every Wednesday from 9AM-12PM.

Our summer season was kicked off on June 3^rd with a free BBQ and more than 35 seniors who were eager to build their technology skills. The program focuses on making technology a safe and accessible resource that will benefit them. Many seniors emphasize feeling alone in their struggle with social connection in the age of technology but through these weekly sessions, they can meet others who are in the same situation. As we organize the program, we seek to create a patient and collaborative space where we walk through the basics of technology step by step and teach the skills needed to use technology as a tool in everyday life. Seniors left the program with new skills and a stronger sense of connection to their peers and the broader community.

On top of helping with everyday tasks, being comfortable with technology also opens doors for greater community involvement. Seniors can more easily learn about local events, connect with local organizations, or remain in contact with friends and family. The program supports a vision of aging that emphasizes connection, purpose, and community in everyday life.

As we continue to offer tech help at the Goderich Legion, we encourage seniors to take a leadership role in the program. Seniors who learn skills can teach others what they know or can help with the facilitation and organization of events. While building sustainability within the program, this also empowers seniors to continue to give back to their community and to feel confident that they have skills and knowledge they can share.

As Gateway CERH continues to develop solutions to promote the health of seniors in our community, our vision extends beyond teaching technology. We aim to foster confidence, independence, and social connection while creating opportunities for seniors to remain active and engaged members of the community. In supporting healthy aging in Huron County, Gateway CERH focuses on creating opportunities to learn, contribute, and belong.

By investing in programs that empower older adults, we create stronger, more resilient communities where seniors are recognized for their contributions they have made to our community throughout their life. Going beyond just offering services, Gateway CERH is committed to cultivating spaces where seniors can learn and contribute within their community.

Interested in the Legion Learning & Lounge program? Visit: https://

www.gatewayruralhealth.ca/legionlearningandlounge or drop in at the Royal Canadian

Legion Branch 109 – Goderich

About Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health

Founded in 2008, Gateway CERH is a not-for-profit rural health research organization run by a community-based volunteer board of directors. Gateway CERH's main mission is to better the health and quality of life of rural residents through research, education, and communication. Learn more on the Gateway CERH website at www.gatewayruralhealth.ca.

Resources

Statistics Canada. (2023). Census profile, 2021 Census of Population: Huron, County, Ontario. Government of Canada. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=huron&DGUIDlist=2021A00033540&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1,4&HEADERlist=0