Healthy Living and Technology Made Simple: Is AI a Friend or Foe? October 22nd
Thursday, October 8th, 2026
The City of Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, in conjunction with the Senior Commission, will host a free event, “Healthy Living and Technology Made Simple: Is AI a Friend or Foe?” on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Lessie B. Price Senior & Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Avenue NW. The mission of the Senior Commission is to facilitate educational programming to advance the well-being of seniors (age 50 and above) in Aiken.
The program is free and designed to introduce older adults to the practical ways artificial intelligence (AI) can make everyday life easier, healthier, and more manageable—while also helping participants understand the potential risks of using this rapidly evolving technology. AI can save time, organize information, and provide helpful ideas; it can also make mistakes and should not be relied upon for critical decisions without verification. The Senior Commission hopes the program will leave participants feeling more confident, informed, and empowered to use technology rather than intimidated by it.
“Artificial intelligence is becoming part of our everyday lives, whether we realize it or not,” says Aimee Hanna, Chair of the Aiken Senior Commission. “Our goal is not to make everyone a technology expert. It is to show seniors how AI can be a useful tool for everyday situations while teaching them how to recognize when information may be inaccurate, misleading, or unsafe.”
The panelists and presenters include Mr. Cliff Etheridge, President of BIT Services; Ms. Alyce Frank, Director of Case Management at Aiken Regional Medical Center; and Ms. Paige Romanowski, health coach and founder of Bodyrite Training. Their presentations will emphasize practical, real-world examples relevant to older adults, covering topics such as Medical Information, Scam Prevention, Healthy Meal Planning, Exercise and Wellness, Effective Email and Letter Writing, and Travel Planning.
A variety of local businesses and organizations that serve our senior community are sponsoring and supporting the event.
Thank you to our sponsors: Family Pharmacy, Hospital Auxiliary of Aiken County, Holy Family Hospice and Palliative Care, Meals on Wheels, MDVIP, Nuclear Care Partners, Overflow Foundation, SC Hearing Associates, Sertoma International, Shadow Oaks Assisted Living, Shellhouse Funeral Home / Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home, and The Herlong Financial Group.
Register online at coa.page/pfaa or in person at Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior & Youth Center, Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, or Odell Weeks Activities Center. A light breakfast with coffee will be served to registered participants.
For more information, call 803-642-7600 and press 3. Stay up to date by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@aikenparksrec) or by downloading the Aiken Explorer app. For weather alerts, text AIKENRAINALERT to 91896
The City of Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism invites people of all ability levels to enjoy programs, parks, and facilities. Individuals needing special assistance to participate should notify PRT Administrative Office 48 hours in advance.
