On July 17, 2023, the City of Albuquerque announced that The Department of Senior Affairs has been honored by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) for its outstanding programs for seniors. In particular, the department was recognized for its 2021 50+ Senior Tech Fair offering valuable technology resource to seniors following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This annual event not only addresses the interest and need to keep older adults informed of growing technology changes, but it invites new members of our community to learn about our Department’s many offerings to stay active and engaged,” said Anna Sanchez, Director of Senior Affairs, according to a press release. “We’re thrilled to have our 50+ Senior Tech Fair recognized by the National Council on Aging.”
According to the press release by The City of Albuquerque, the Department of Senior Affairs received the Programs of Excellence Award from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) National Institute of Senior Centers in recognition of its successful annual 50+ Senior Tech Fair. In 2021, the Senior Tech Fair, organized by the Department of Senior Affairs, became even more crucial following the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Albuquerque's internship program and students from the University of North Carolina's Morehead-Cain Civic Collaboration Foundation presented the idea for the program, with the aim of improving technology access for seniors in the Albuquerque community according to the press release.
“This annual event not only addresses the interest and need to keep older adults informed of growing technology changes, but it invites new members of our community to learn about our Department’s many offerings to stay active and engaged,” said Anna Sanchez, Director of Senior Affairs, according to the press release. “We’re thrilled to have our 50+ Senior Tech Fair recognized by the National Council on Aging.”
The event featured classes, demonstrations and information booths covering technology topics for seniors and was a huge success with more than 250 visitors attending. Partners for the event included nonprofits Adelante’s DiverseIT and Teeniors, which assisted with student volunteers for many of the tech classes.
“This year’s awardees are proof that senior centers continue to be hubs of innovation for creative programs that reach a diverse population of older adults, improving lives and communities,” said Dianne Stone, NCOA’s Associate Director of Network Development and Engagement, according to the press release.