Seniors Discover AI Benefits at Free Workshop in Winnipeg

An upcoming workshop in Winnipeg aims to demystify artificial intelligence (AI) for seniors, offering them insights into how this technology can enhance their daily lives. The event, titled “Artificial Intelligence for Beginners,” will take place on November 1, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the Westworth United Church in River Heights. Led by David Gerhard, a computer science professor at the University of Manitoba, the session is designed to make AI accessible and beneficial for older adults.

Rhea Yates, chair of the church’s council and one of the event’s organizers, noted that many seniors find AI to be a complex subject. “For many seniors, artificial intelligence is a mystery,” she explained. The workshop aims to clarify this technology and demonstrate its practical applications, such as reminders for appointments, exercise breaks, and medication schedules.

The initiative is part of a broader project titled “Winnipeg Seniors Supporting Seniors Through Fun and Learning,” which aims to address the interests and needs of the local senior community. Last month, approximately 50 attendees participated in a session focused on the architectural history of River Heights. Future events include a presentation on the Ukrainian experience in Winnipeg, featuring Oksana Tymofii, a refugee from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Yates emphasized the importance of community engagement in shaping the church’s offerings. “We want to be relevant to seniors in our community,” she stated, highlighting the detrimental effects of isolation revealed during the pandemic. The church also provides various activities for seniors, such as chair yoga, Zumba, pickleball, guitar lessons, and line dancing.

Recognizing that accessibility is crucial, Westworth United Church invested in new, comfortable chairs with armrests, making it easier for seniors to participate in events. Yates remarked, “We involved seniors in planning the things we offer. We don’t want to provide things that are not in demand.”

The church’s outreach efforts extend beyond educational events. Yates noted that there are no expectations for attendees to engage with religious services. “It’s not about getting people in the pews,” she clarified. Instead, the goal is to serve the neighborhood and utilize the church’s 75-year-old building as a community hub.

In collaboration with local organizations, the church is exploring ways to provide affordable housing options for seniors as part of its long-term strategy. Jordan Cantwell, a regional animator for the United Church of Canada, emphasized the importance of community-focused initiatives. “Churches can only thrive if they re-imagine who they are and how they do ministry to be a church for their neighbours and their neighbourhood,” she stated.

The workshop on November 1 not only aims to educate seniors about AI but also serves as a crucial step in fostering a greater sense of community and connection among older adults in Winnipeg. As Yates aptly noted, “We want to remove that mystery, let them know what resources are out there.”