Rockland Seniors Worried About Taxes, Technology, Scams

What are seniors in Rockland County worried about?

• Falling behind in technology
• Increasing taxes on a fixed income
• Healthcare
• The future of the and the

These were some of the topics brought up at Senator Carlucci’s Senior Advisory Committee Meeting on Thursday at the . More than 50 seniors attended this meeting.

Carlucci (D-Rockland/Orange) started hosting these meetings back in April to address a range of issues and concerns affecting senior citizens throughout Rockland County.   

“The No. 1 growing demographic is seniors. Rockland County faces new challenges among an increasingly aging demographic and it is important to meet these challenges by having an active level of participation among those who are affected,” said Senator Carlucci. “At the same time, we have an opportunity to make sure that seniors are provided a more efficient delivery of healthcare services, utilize new technologies, and understand how legislation can impact their lives.”

Technology

Some seniors had questions about how to blog or get active with Twitter. Others shared their experiences and questions about Facebook, iPads, cellphones and more.

“The electronic age is moving so rapidly,” said John Fredericks Sr. “I even see computers becoming obsolete soon. We should start thinking about the next generation of technology, like iPads. That’s the next wave.” He also mentioned to the group the option of free communication through the newer technologies.

After hosting these meetings, it became apparent to Carlucci that one issue seniors struggled with was keeping up with the fast-moving tech world around them. In response, he held a technology seminar focused on how to use and navigate the internet. The next workshop he plans to host is one on how to get a free email account and how to manage it.

“I think it’s an excellent thing that (Carlucci) is doing,” said Mark Neumann, who teaches computer classes to seniors at the adult learning center at Meals on Wheels.

“One of the things that need to be talked about at these seminars is (security). We’ve been talking about the scams that are happening and targeting seniors,” said Jim Finn of the West Nyack Senior Club. “Everything you (or your grandkids) put on Facebook goes out to everyone. We need to be careful about (identity theft).” He added that seniors need to be informed about screening calls and emails to avoid scams and frauds.

Carlucci added that he’s looking into starting a partnership between students and seniors, in which students would gain volunteer hours as tech tutors and seniors would gain knowledge on how to use their gadgets.

“We have a very under-used computer room and we’re working on offering free computer seminars,” said Bonnie Ward of JCC Rockland.

One service Carlucci mentioned was the Rockland PC Users Group, which is based in New City. Along with tech workshops and computer repairs, this group refurbishes computers to give to low-income seniors, said Carlucci.

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Check back with Patch for a recap of the seniors’ discussions on healthcare and taxes

This meeting was for those who signed up on the senator's senior advisory committee. If anyone is interested in joining, they can contact Carlucci's office to sign up. For more information, please contact Senator Carlucci’s office at (845) 623-3627 or email carlucci@nysenate.gov.