Nizhny Novgorod's Silver Hacker Teaches Seniors Essential Tech Skills

A new round of digital literacy classes for seniors has started in Nizhny Novgorod. Called Silver Hacker, the project helps retirees learn essential tech skills in small, focused groups. The first session of the latest intake took place at a neighbourhood centre on Kirovskaya Street. The initiative is part of the broader University for Seniors project, led by Oksana Dektereva, director of the Nizhny Novgorod Public Self-Governance NGO. Courses run across 65 locations in the city, blending online and in-person sessions. Over 100 retirees have already taken part in the past three months.

Classes keep groups small, with just ten participants each, ensuring individual support. Topics cover smartphone basics, including messengers like MAX, social media use, online bill payments, and spotting fraud. During the first lesson, attendees explored the features of the MAX messenger app. Participants like Marina Chernysheva highlight the importance of the training for modern communication. Evgenia Kavilashvili, another attendee, stresses the need to stay updated with technology to keep in touch with loved ones.

The Silver Hacker project continues to expand across Nizhny Novgorod, offering retirees practical digital skills. With 65 active locations, the programme aims to build confidence in everyday technology use. No details are available on similar schemes in other Russian cities or regions.