Technology can be a helpful tool to stay connected. People can see pictures of grandchildren hundreds of miles away or read a letter via e-mail that was composed only moments before.

The Senior Resource Alliance Senior Fair recognizes the importance of technology, so it put together an event full of technological fun for seniors called "Staying Connected."

On July 11 in the Jemez Rooms at Santa Fe Community College, several computer stations will be set up where seniors can learn about the Internet, e-mail, uploading digital photos and how to use social-networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook.

"Facebook can be used for staying in touch with grandchildren and old friends," explained Marta Nystrom, the president of the Senior Fair.

Seniors can also learn how to use instant messaging and Skype.

"Seniors are concerned about spending too much money right now and making sure they are cost effective," Nystrom said. "Skype is incredibly cost effective. It even allows for video conferencing."

The series of workshops features a free brunch, and the organization can accommodate up to 150 people.

In addition to the fancy ways to stay connected, seniors can also learn about gadgets that can help them with their health.

ATS Resources, an 501(c3) organization that helps the deaf and hard-of-hearing, will have an information booth at the event. In addition to handing out pamphlets on the rights of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, they will demonstrate a few ways to help people hear, such as a television-listening system and an amplified cell phone.

"It's critical that people allow themselves to hear," said Lori Doyle, who does sales and marketing for the Albuquerque-based organization. "What normally happens is when people can't hear, one, they become physically exhausted; and two, they withdraw from the community and from family. We all need to be connected to people, and when you can hear, you can be involved.

"Communication is a basic function in life, and this technology allows hard-of-hearing individuals to stay connected."

Nystrom said learning how to use various forms of technology is essential for seniors.

"We all know, from working with seniors, how important it is for seniors to stay engaged in the community and with family. Otherwise they don't flourish — that's been proven," Nystrom said. "We started thinking of how seniors are bypassing a lot of the technology that's available to them because it seems intimidating. We thought it would be a great idea to bring them the technology so they could try it out with other seniors in an environment where everybody who is there is there to learn."

The different stations offer one-on-one training on specific topics, Nystrom said, which will also provide a more comfortable learning environment.

Free valet parking will be offered.

Contact Ana Maria Trujillo at 986-3084 or atrujillo@sfnewmexican.com.

IF YOU GO

What: The Senior Resource Alliance Senior Fair presents "Staying Connected"

When: From 10:30 a.m. to noon July 11

Where: Santa Fe Community College's Jemez Rooms, 6401 S. Richards Ave.

Cost: Free, including valet parking and brunch

More information: RSVP required; call 424-4722