Meals on Wheels People’s Friendly Tech Visits pair volunteers with older adults to build digital skills, independence, and connection.

Jill sits in her living room, a notepad beside her reads “Good Things Take Time.” Across from her, Meals on Wheels People volunteer Guruka Singh leans over her iPhone screen, gently talking her through the steps of setting up a Square account so she can sell some of her belongings online to help her pay rent.

“I’m not tech savvy,” Jill says with a smile. “My daughter talked me into getting an iPhone. I didn’t realize I was stepping into a whole different world.”

After a car accident left her unable to work or drive, Jill began receiving meal deliveries. “I got Meals on Wheels for my dad a long time ago,” she says. “Now I’m the one who needs it. I’m not low-income — I’m no-income. Sometimes I just want to cry, but that’s not how my daddy raised me.”

Introducing Friendly Tech Visits

More than tech support — it’s a human connection.

Jill’s visit with Guruka is part of our Friendly Tech Visits program, launched last year as an innovative way to help older adults stay connected in today’s digital world. Through one-hour, one-on-one sessions in participants’ homes, volunteers provide basic tech support tailored to each person’s needs. From logging into health portals to FaceTiming with grandkids, tech literacy is a key part of independence — giving older adults access to essential resources, connection, and community.

When Guruka arrives for each visit, he brings not only his decades of experience as a computer professional but also patience and encouragement. “We’ll go at your pace,” he tells her as they reset passwords, add inventory, and celebrate small victories. By the time he leaves, Jill is ready to start selling online.

“I’m just so thankful,” she says. “Where else would you go to get this kind of help? It’s so beneficial for us older people. It’s the way of the world.”

Guruka volunteers twice a week through the program. “It’s fun to bring joy to people in this way,” he says. “I spent my whole life working in computers, and now I get to give back.”

Independence Means Access

For many older adults, independence today isn’t just about food or housing — it’s about access.

From health portals to video calls with family, digital literacy means connection. The Friendly Tech Visits program pairs volunteers like Guruka and Steve, a former Intel engineer, with older adults who need a hand navigating technology.

“I’m not setting up data centers anymore,” Steve says. “But I can help with phones, watches, or health apps. Everyone comes to technology at such different levels. These in-home visits are the way to go.”

Thanks to donor and volunteer support, Meals on Wheels People can offer these personalized visits that help older adults stay engaged, connected, and in control of their own lives.

Want to Help Older Adults Stay Connected?

You don’t need to be a computer professional — just patient, kind, and willing to help someone learn at their own pace. Whether you’re helping an older adult navigate their smartphone or simply brightening their day with a friendly conversation, you’ll make a meaningful difference.