At our April 16, 2026 meeting, the Apex Lions Club had the pleasure of welcoming RJ Reyes from Growing Older Living Digitally, also known as GOLD. GOLD is a North Carolina based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults age 50 and older use technology with confidence, safety, and independence.
RJ shared an important message that resonated with everyone in attendance. Access to technology is no longer the primary challenge. Many older adults already have devices and internet access. The real gap is the ability and confidence to use those tools effectively. GOLD exists to close that gap, helping individuals replace uncertainty with confidence and maintain independence in an increasingly digital world.
GOLD focuses on three essential areas that are especially relevant for older adults today.
Digital Health – Healthcare has rapidly shifted to digital platforms. GOLD teaches individuals how to navigate patient portals, schedule appointments, review lab results, communicate securely with healthcare providers, and manage prescriptions online. These skills help people stay connected to their care and take an active role in their health.
Scam Prevention – One of the most impactful parts of the presentation was GOLD’s simple but powerful S.C.A.M. framework:
- Stop
- Confirm
- Avoid
- Make a report
This approach encourages individuals to pause before responding to suspicious messages, verify information through trusted sources, avoid sharing sensitive details, and report potential scams. With billions of dollars lost to scams each year, this practical guidance can make a real difference in protecting our community.
Artificial Intelligence Literacy – GOLD is also helping older adults understand and use emerging tools like artificial intelligence. From drafting emails to asking questions about everyday topics, AI can be a helpful and time saving resource when used safely. GOLD ensures learners understand both the benefits and the importance of protecting personal information.
GOLD’s reach continues to expand both locally and nationally. According to their presentation , they currently serve four counties in North Carolina in person and have reached more than 14 states through virtual programming. Over the past year alone, they have helped more than 6,000 adults gain confidence using technology.
All GOLD classes are offered free of charge to participants, which makes their mission even more impactful. As a nonprofit, they rely on grants, partnerships, and community support to continue providing these valuable services. They also offer a scam hotline to assist individuals who may be at risk.
The work GOLD is doing aligns closely with the Apex Lions Club mission of serving those in need, especially individuals who may be vulnerable. By improving digital literacy, GOLD is helping people stay connected to healthcare, avoid financial harm, and remain independent longer. This is especially meaningful for families in Apex who want to ensure their loved ones are safe and confident in today’s digital environment.
GOLD is always looking to expand its reach and connect with more communities. Opportunities include hosting a class, introducing them to local organizations, or supporting their mission through sponsorship. To learn more, visit their website at https://live-gold.org.
At the Apex Lions Club, we are proud to bring speakers like GOLD to our community and to support initiatives that improve lives. If you are interested in making a difference in Apex, we invite you to join us. Together, we can continue serving our neighbors and strengthening our community.
Learn more about our work at https://ApexLions.org and come see how you can be part of something meaningful.
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