Free Online Classes For Montgomery County Seniors: May 25-28

GERMANTOWN, MD — Montgomery County seniors can take free online classes to learn how to better navigate life at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Senior Planet Montgomery, the county's technology training program for residents 60 and older, typically offers lectures, hands-on workshops, and multi-week courses at libraries and senior centers. But during this public health crisis, Senior Planet Montgomery is moving all its programming online.

Many of the online sessions will focus on online user-friendly tools and resources for seniors.

"More Montgomery County seniors are online than ever before," said Montgomery County Chief Information Officer Gail M. Roper. "The Senior Planet Montgomery programs provide a means for them to get more out of their internet availability, and we hope, more out of life overall. We have programs that are geared specifically to support the way seniors learn best — which makes so many things easier to understand."

Classes change on a weekly basis. From May 25 to 28, participants will learn how to reduce anxiety and stay grounded, identify utility scams, navigate online banking, and more.

Courses are also offered in Spanish.

Take a look:

Mindfulness Apps

• When: Tuesday, May 25, 11 a.m. - noon.
• Description: Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware. Learn to practice mindfulness through simple activities. Lecture introduces mindfulness and its physical and mental benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving memory, and lowering blood pressure. Learn about popular apps that teach breathing and meditation techniques, as well as new technology like wearable breath monitors and smart yoga mats.

Understanding Energy Choice

• When: Tuesday, May 25, 3 - 4 p.m.
• Description: Presentation will cover energy choice as well as offer tips for identifying utility scams. Lecture also will cover ways to lower utility bills.

Senior Health and Fitness Day Finale

• When: Wednesday, May 26, 3 - 5 p.m.
• Description: Join for a special 2-hour session to finalize Senior Health and Fitness Day. Event will offer three fitness sessions, reiki, ballroom dance, and ballet barre.

Money Matters

• When: Thursday, May 27, 11 a.m. - noon.
• Description: The internet can open a new world for saving money and managing finances. This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep financial information safe. Learn about online shipping and explore some digital resources for saving money on entertainment, prescription drugs, and everyday items.

Hello Montgomery County

• When: Thursday, May 27, 2 - 3 p.m.
• Description: Join fellow MoCo residents for an hour of socializing.

Click here to learn more about Senior Planet Montgomery and its virtual program offerings. You can also call and email the group at 240-753-0676 and mocoinfo@seniorplanet.org.