Laramie senior finds community online

LARAMIE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - At the start of the pandemic last year, many turned to social media and other online avenues for connection.

“As much as this heartache that’s brought so much to our world through this pandemic, I can truthfully say that I was given a special gift by having Senior Planet be the silver lining in my life during this time,” said Germaine St. John.

St. John had never used Zoom before March 2020, but she signed up for Senior Planet from AARP and found an online community she never expected.

“You would be surprised about the number of friendships that develop both as a result of these programs but offline too. I have many that I have made acquaintance with on various programs I have been on and now we email back and forth or even telephone occasionally if there’s something we want to visit about,” said St. John.

She has taken courses that have taught her how to use social media including Tiktok, Instagram, and Facebook. She also takes fitness classes almost daily to stay on top of her health.

St. John has regularly met online with other members since she joined the program and in April 2021 a group of users got to meet face-to-face for the first time.

“If I’m here for my core group many of us are still together after a year well going on two years actually here not too long every morning and we are a family, we are a family,” said St. John.

Her advice to anyone hesitant about trying to program, give it a real try for a few days, and find different classes or groups you like.

Every day Senior Planet from AARP offers multiple online courses covering topics including fitness and wellness, finance, technology, and more.

“Go ahead and start and at least give it a try. And don’t do it just for one day, you might be frustrated or you might sign up in an area that isn’t your interest. Believe me, you will find your interest. There is a myriad of choices to make... try it out and do it like for a week and then make a decision.”

The community is for anyone 60 and older and is free to join. For more information about the community and different online offerings visit the Senior Planet from AARP website.

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