Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Workshop at Altadena Library Offers Seniors Help With Technology Hurdles

For many older adults, the login screen has become a daily adversary. Remembering passwords, navigating government websites, and managing the paperwork that comes with digital services can feel overwhelming.

On Wednesday, January 22, the Altadena Library will host a free workshop aimed at helping seniors tackle these challenges. The session, titled “Passwords, and Portals, and Paperwork, Oh My,” will be led by Elisa Schwartz, who runs a consulting service called Elisa Can Help that focuses on assisting seniors with technology and paperwork.

The workshop is scheduled for 4 p.m. in the community room at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena, CA 91001.

According to research cited by the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, approximately 22 million American seniors lacked home broadband access in 2020. Even those who do have internet access often report frustration with the constant updates, complex passwords, and confusing interfaces that define modern digital life. Government services, banking, and healthcare have increasingly moved online, leaving older adults who struggle with technology at a disadvantage.

Schwartz, who is based in the Los Angeles area, describes her work as helping people improve their lives through community engagement.

“What drives me is knowing that my efforts contribute to improving people’s lives,” she said.

The workshop comes as libraries across California have expanded their role in providing digital literacy resources to seniors. Community centers and public libraries have emerged as key locations for technology training aimed at older adults, according to research on bridging the digital divide.

The event is free. For more information or to confirm the date, contact the Altadena Library at 626-798-0833 or visit altadenalibrary.org.

The Altadena Main Library is open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Every day presents new opportunities to make a difference,” Schwartz says of her approach to community work.