Tech Support with Heart: Spencer and Austin Help Seniors at ELM Home

January 11, 2025 — Princeton, NJ

On a Saturday afternoon, high schoolers Spencer and Austin paid a meaningful visit to ELM Senior Home, offering tech assistance to elderly residents as part of their ongoing intergenerational service project.

Armed with patience and empathy, the two teens helped several residents with common smartphone and tablet challenges. Questions ranged from how to adjust font sizes and use translation apps to setting up email accounts and troubleshooting basic device functions.

“These may seem like small things to us,” said Spencer, “but for the seniors, it’s about staying independent and connected with their loved ones.”

One resident, Mrs. Huang was especially grateful. After getting help with her phone’s messaging and translation features, she smiled warmly and thanked the boys repeatedly. “You’re both so kind and helpful,” she said. “I don’t feel so lost with my phone anymore.”

Both students plan to return to ELM and hope more teens will join them in making a difference, one device—and one conversation—at a time.