GENOA, Ohio — Ottawa County is sometimes referred to as the grayest county since it has the highest amount of senior citizens per capita in the state.
This is why local leaders constantly work to bring more enrichment opportunities for the 60 and older population.
The Ohio Department of Aging distributed funding to all 88 counties through its Healthy Aging Grant program.
Ottawa County received $160K, and the Harris-Elmore Genoa Libraries quickly applied for some of that funding to launch a long overdue, senior citizen digital literacy program.
"We see it everyday, seniors come in and they need help with that stuff, using their cell phone, printing from their phones, even just using the computer," said Abigail Sullivan, program librarian for Harris-Elmore Genoa Libraries. "There's definitely a need there, and we saw that."
The library system was awarded enough funding to purchase a couple dozen iPads, and has now launched a free tech course for anyone over the age of 60, not just Ottawa County residents.
Kim Haddix, director of Ottawa County Senior Resources, says with rapidly evolving digital technology playing such an integral part in modern society, it is very easy for older people to get left behind.
"We grew up with this, they didn't. So it's on us to help them learn," Haddix said. "They helped us grow and set a lot of things in motion for our generation, the least we can do is turn around and help them."
Haddix said the agency sent out info on the grant program in February, decided who to distribute the funding to by March and had the checks written two weeks later.
"We received a bunch of applications. We ended up funding, I think, nine different programs," she said. "We're thrilled to hear them all starting and how many different options are getting out there for our seniors."
Each time a county resident attends, they're entered into a raffle to win one of 20 iPads once the classes wrap up.
"Anyone can participate in the course. But in order to enter the raffle to win an iPad, you have to be over the age of 60 and be an Ottawa County resident." Sullivan said
Even though there has only been 1 class so far, all of the remaining classes set for the Genoa branch have already been fully booked.
But, there are openings still available at the Harris-Elmore Library branch on 328 Toledo St. in Elmore for classes on May 8, June 5, July 10 and Aug. 14. Each class is from 1:30-3 p.m.
To sign up, you can call Abigail Sullivan at 419-855-3380 Ext. 202.