Lowry Lowdown: Senior Planet Center

August 5, 2024 / Comments (0)

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The hidden, hip place for those over 60 learning technology for free.

Believe it or not, the coolest, hippest place in Lowry is The Senior Planet Center designed by a New York City architect/designer. This is a must see for all regardless of your age. If you decide to tour this gorgeous, contemporary space you will have to find it first.

Don’t feel bad if you can’t locate The Senior Planet Center on your first or even second try. When Senior Planet opened in the fall of 2019, the Letter Carrier, UPS, FedEx, trades people, furniture delivery people, and others all had to be waived down or run after to get them to the correct location. So where is this hidden place? It is in Lowry’s Hangar 2 in the very back corner way behind the Lowry Beer Garden. Go into the parking lot with the B-52 Bomber on your right and the Lowry Beer Garden & Rocket Ice Cream (aka the rocket ship) on your left. Drive into the parking lot straight back until you can go no further. The Senior Planet Center is on your left in the back corner of Hangar 2.

If you go on a Monday morning, you will be greeted by volunteer, Pat S., who will be happy to take you on a tour of this interesting space, let you know about the happenings, and offer you a cup of coffee.

Pat not only volunteers, but she takes advantage of the classes offered by Senior Planet. She says, “I am inspired by so many older people who are venturing out of their own safe spaces to learn and try to keep abreast of the latest devices such as computers, tablets, cell phones, wearables, and more.”

Pat continues, “As a student, I have been amazed how patient the trainers are and knowledgeable about all things tech.  Although I cannot keep up with my teenage grandchildren, I am attempting to “stay in the know” about what they are doing.”

“Senior Planet saved my life during COVID because I learned to Zoom so I could see my family, friends, and keep some of my women’s groups connected!”, Pat added.

Senior Planet Center
7585 E. Academy Boulevard
Denver, CO 80230

Phone
Center: 720-328-0875
Senior Planet Hotline: 888-713-3495

Normal Hours
Monday–Friday, 9:30am–5pm

Center Manager – Paige Bownds

Here is what Center Manager, Paige, has to say, “Our center is a vibrant hub where older adults come together to learn, engage, and connect…for free! Since opening in 2019, we’ve grown significantly, offering a welcoming space filled with endless educational programs and special events. In addition to our classes and tech assistance that we offer, you can join us for our monthly happy hours and special presentations, designed to bring our community closer. At the center, you’ll meet our dedicated trainers and volunteer staff who do so much for our Senior Planet community, ensuring a wonderful environment for everyone. Whether you’re looking to socialize, attend an event, get tech help, or join a class, there’s always something exciting happening here. Come by and be part of our thriving community!”

The Senior Planet Center houses the Senior Planet Colorado program which was and continues to be developed by Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) located in New York City. Tom Kamber is the Executive Director of OATS and Senior Planet from AARP.

OATS just celebrated its 20th Anniversary and launched the Aging Rewired Podcast. Senior Planet, OATS, and AARP are non-profit organizations. They are funded by individual donations, grants, and foundations.

Mission
Senior Planet from AARP seeks to achieve measurable change in the lives of older adults, we have chosen five “impact areas” where we know technology can be a critical factor. In each of these areas, we aim to empower older adults to use technology to reach their goals and be part of a thriving community that supports and celebrates aging.

Five Impact Areas & some examples of FREE classes

  • Financial Security – protecting personal info, estate planning resources, saving money with tech
  • Social Engagement – digital legacy, Lunch & Learn Discussion, Zoom, Meetup
  • Creative Expression – photography, photo editing, Spotify, creating creations
  • Health & Wellness – online Rx, sleep tech, health apps, morning stretch, Tai Chi, yoga, balance
  • Civic Participation – Pride Discussion, Aging, Spanish Club, news savvy online, current events

Lowry Lowdown

The fantastic Senior Planet Center can be used/rented out by the public.

What can our residents over 60 expect to benefit from for FREE at The Senior Planet Center?

  • A home away from home to relax and have a cup of coffee
  • A chance to meet interesting people
  • Continuing education – learning things you never thought you could master
  • A safe space to ask any technology questions without judgement
  • One-on-one assistance – someone kind to work with you so you understand. No one will grab your device and say “Oh, let me do it for you” in a disgusted tone of voice
  • A welcoming environment with the best vibe, laughter, great conversation, and fun
  • The best place to hang out – community and sense of belonging

Education – Things You Can Learn at The Senior Planet Center & from Home for FREE

  • Smartphone Photography & Photo Editing
  • Trip/Vacation Planning
  • Plant Identification Apps & Gardening
  • Use of Virtuality Reality (VR) headsets – go on a virtual trip to Poland, Spain, Italy, France & more
  • How to Use Ride Sharing Apps (Uber, Lyft)
  • Translation Tools – communicating in another language
  • Virtual Museum Tours
  • Book Club
  • Fitness & Exercise
  • Aging with Attitude through the Aging Rewired Podcast & special events
  • A wide variety of beginner technology classes

Valuable Links

Fun Fact

Michelle, owner of Gateaux Bakery on Speer (second location – Lowry Town Center called Petite Gateaux) made the cake for The Senior Planet Center opening in Hanger 2 in November 2019.