Digital Empowerment Week 2026
In April, older adults from across the community came together at Vivalon to build confidence with everyday technology through hands-on learning and personalized support.
59 participants | 105 total attendances
Digital Empowerment Week 2026
In April, older adults from across the community came together at Vivalon to build confidence with everyday technology through hands-on learning and personalized support.
59 participants | 105 total attendances
What is Digital Empowerment Week
Across three days, participants explored topics including smartphone basics, online safety, and tools to support health and daily living. Each session combined a lecture with an optional hands-on clinic, allowing participants to ask questions, practice new skills, and receive one-on-one support from staff and volunteer tech tutors.
This year’s program reflected a shift toward more interactive, personalized learning—creating space for participants to move at their own pace and gain practical, real-world skills.
2026 Daily Themes
Day 1: Getting Comfortable with Technology & AI
Day 2: Online Safety & Scam Awareness
Day 3: Tech for Healthy Living
2026 Sessions
Day One
Tuesday | April 14
Getting Comfortable with Technology & AI
Learning Session | 1:30 pm-2:30pm
Ready to feel more confident using your smartphone, tablet, or computer? This welcoming session introduces the basics of navigating your devices with ease, along with an easy-to-understand look at how Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can simplify everyday tasks.
You’ll learn about basic device navigation, understanding settings, app basics, connecting to Wi-Fi, and how AI tools can help with everyday tasks.
Optional Tech Clinic | 3:00 pm–4:30 pm
Stay after the presentation for personalized support from Vivalon’s Volunteer Tech Tutors, including patient, tech-savvy high school students who will help you practice new skills and answer your questions one-on-one. The tech clinic is included in your registration for Day One.
Day Two
Wednesday | April 15
Online Safety & Scam Awareness
Learning Session | 1:30 pm-2:30pm
Protect yourself and your personal information in today’s digital world. This session will be led by experts from Marin County Aging and Adult Services’ Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST)—a nationally recognized program dedicated to preventing and addressing financial abuse among older adults.
FAST is an award-winning team of community volunteers and public sector professionals who help educate the community about financial risks affecting older adults, including scams, fraud, and financial exploitation.
In this session, you’ll learn how to recognize common scams such as phishing emails, fraudulent phone calls, and online privacy threats. The presentation will also explore how Artificial Intelligence is being used to create increasingly convincing scam attempts—including fake voice messages and videos—and what simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
Optional Tech Clinic | 3:00 pm–4:30 pm
Participants are invited to stay for individualized help spotting scam warning signs, strengthening passwords, and building confidence navigating the internet safely. The Clinic is included in your registration for Day Two.
Day Three
Thursday | April 16
Tech for Healthy Living: There’s an App for That
Learning Session | 1:30 pm-2:30pm
Technology can make daily life easier, more convenient, and more fun. Discover helpful apps and tools for transportation, health tracking, exercise, communication, and entertainment. Topics include health and wellness apps, wearable devices, exercise tools, and using voice assistants like Siri.
Optional Tech Clinic | 3:00 pm–4:30 pm
Bring your device and explore helpful apps with guidance from Volunteer Tech Tutors who can help you download, personalize, and practice using tools that fit your lifestyle. The Clinic is included in your registration for Day Three.
This Year’s Impact
- 59 participants
- 105 total attendances
- 3 days of learning and connection
- Dozens of one-on-one support interactions
Location & Details
Location
Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus
999 Third Street
San Rafael, CA
Who Should Attend
Older adults who want to feel more confident using technology.
What to Bring
Your smartphone, tablet, or laptop (if you have one).
Ready to build your tech confidence?
Join us for Digital Empowerment Week and discover how technology can support your independence, safety, and connection.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to the Marin County Board of Supervisors
for supporting this initiative.
This event is part of What About Age?—an exhibition on ageism conceived of and curated by Dr. Stacey Gordon of NYU CHAI presented in Marin by Vivalon that challenges stereotypes and assumptions about aging and invites us to rethink how we see older adults, ourselves, and one another.
Learn more here.
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