From snapping and sharing photos to navigating Facebook, a group of Jacksonville seniors recently got a hands-on lesson in making their smartphones work smarter for them.

The Duval County Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction Inc., joined by members of its Top Teens of America program, hosted “Getting the Most Out of Your Cell Phone,” a two-hour technology workshop designed to help older adults become more comfortable using everyday smartphone features.

   About 15 seniors participated, receiving one-on-one assistance from TLOD members and teens with iPhone and Android devices. Participants learned how to take and share photos, use social media and navigate other features while having an opportunity to ask questions about their individual devices.

The training comes as smartphones play an increasingly important role in the lives of older Americans. Seventy-eight percent of U.S. adults 65 and older now own a smartphone, according to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey. However, a digital divide remains: Only 14% of adults 65 and older say they use the internet almost constantly, compared with 63% of adults ages 18 to 29. About 17% of seniors are “smartphone dependent,” meaning they own a smartphone but do not have home broadband service. (Pew Research Center)

The workshop put that generational gap to work in a positive way, pairing tech-savvy teens with seniors for personalized instruction. The Top Teens were able to share skills that are second nature to many young people while seniors gained experience and confidence using technology increasingly relied upon for communication, information and everyday services.

Top Ladies of Distinction is a national community service organization with programs focused on youth development through Top Teens of America, senior citizens, women, community partnerships and beautification.

The Duval County Chapter will continue its community service efforts with its quarterly cleanup at Emmett Reed Park on Saturday, Oct. 24th.