Never underestimate the impact grandparents can have, especially in this digital age. Seniors are increasingly proficient with technology like never before, with statistics from the Pew Research Center showing a significant increase in smartphone ownership (from 13% to 61%), social media usage (from 11% to 45%), and tablet adoption (from 11% to 45%) among those aged 65 and older over the past decade. However, there are moments when our elderly loved ones have questions and concerns about navigating the world of technology. That’s where a compassionate Minneapolis teenager steps in to help.

Graham Bennett, a sophomore at The Blake School, is a young man with diverse interests. In addition to his achievements as a talented runner and his ambitious dreams of attending medical school, he also takes a keen interest in looking out for his neighbors. Motivated by a desire to positively impact the senior residents of The Kenwood, he proactively reached out to a staff member to discuss potential avenues for making a meaningful contribution.

“When I asked her if there was anything that I could do to help out here, she suggested helping with devices and related matters,” Bennett explained.

He quickly discovered that for some brilliant minds at The Kenwood, the technology that comes naturally to him is a foreign language.

“It wasn’t really taught to us; we had to try and teach ourselves the best we could along the way,” admitted Kenwood resident Georgia McKinnis.

Naturally questions arise, and Bennett comes prepared with answers. He dedicates his weekend mornings to volunteering regularly.

McKinnis, whose family resides in New York and California, is a regular beneficiary of Bennett’s assistance.

“Graham helped me get back online, enabling me to use the internet to stay in touch with my family and friends, which was difficult before,” she expressed.

Now, she’s gained knowledge about digital video and how to use editing software, expanding her tech skills.

“A lot of the time when they first come in, they are frustrated about a problem, and then by the time they leave, they are more curious about what else they can learn,” noted Bennett.

Monica Molina, who has family in New York, is uncovering how to preserve cherished family memories.

“He is very knowledgeable about computers, quiet, and respectful,” Molina praised. “He lets you try it and see if you’ve gotten it, and if not, he’ll explain it again; he’s very patient.”

With effectiveness and patience, Bennett has helped his clients become more connected with their long-distance families than ever before.

“People are really eager to share. If I am helping someone to text their family members, then they are always sharing stories or pictures of their family members and friends,” Bennett shared. “I feel really accomplished, and it feels good to be able to help people communicate with their loved ones and nurture those relationships.”

Bennett, a big-hearted and tech-savvy young man, knows that it’s never too late to learn. While his long-term goal is to enroll in medical school in the future, at present, he persists in leaving a significant and positive mark on the lives of the seniors he aids.