Learning has no age limit: How technology empowers people like Ofelia Llamozas

Brooklyn, NY (June 16, 2026) - During Connected Nation’s (CN) digital skills classes held on May 19 and 20, 2026, at RiseBoro Community Partnership, participants gathered to learn practical digital skills that can help them stay safe, connected, and empowered in today’s technology-driven world.

One participant, Ofelia Llamozas, shared how meaningful these classes have been for her daily life. Originally from Venezuela, Ofelia has been living in New York for about three and a half years. While adapting to a new country comes with many challenges, she has embraced opportunities to continue learning and growing through community education programs.

Why the classes matter

Ofelia described the cybersecurity and technology workshops as extremely valuable, especially as online scams and digital threats continue to increase.

She appreciated that the classes are designed with older adults in mind, helping participants stay updated with technology while learning practical skills to protect themselves online. According to Ofelia, digital education is important not only for seniors, but also for children and younger generations, since anyone can be vulnerable to online scams or unsafe internet practices.

More importantly, the classes create confidence. Ofelia explained that learning new technology makes people feel more independent and motivated to continue growing regardless of age.

“You always have to keep learning,” she shared during the interview.

Using technology in everyday life

Like many people today, Ofelia relies heavily on her cellphone throughout the day. She uses it for phone calls, email, internet browsing, and even memory games that help keep her mind active. She also occasionally uses a computer at home.

One of the most impactful ways technology supports her life, however, is through her diabetes management app, “FreeStyle Libre.”

Technology supporting better health

Ofelia explained how the app connects to a glucose sensor that she changes every 15 days. Using her phone, she can scan the sensor and instantly monitor her blood sugar levels throughout the day.

This technology allows her to better understand how food affects her body. After meals, she checks her glucose readings to learn which foods may raise her sugar levels.

She described the app and smartphone combination as a “fabulous tool” that helps her take control of her health and make informed decisions about her nutrition and daily habits.

After visiting her doctor and a specialized diabetes clinic, she learned how to use the system independently, and now, thanks to the experience gained in the digital classes, she feels comfortable managing it on her own.

Staying connected and independent

Beyond health monitoring, Ofelia also uses technology to check security cameras in her apartment and even monitor her plants and home remotely. Her story highlights how technology, when used correctly, can improve safety, independence, and quality of life.

Her experience reflects the larger impact of community-based technology education programs. Through classes like those offered at RiseBoro Community Partnership in collaboration with CN, older adults are not only learning digital skills, but they are also building confidence, protecting themselves online, managing their health, and staying connected to the world around them.

For Ofelia, learning has no age limit, and technology has become an important part of living a healthier, safer, and more empowered life.

To bring CN's Digital Literacy and Learning program to your community, click here.