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November 08.2025
3 Minutes Read

Unlock Your Potential: Meet David Slapak, Senior Planet's Inspiring Trainer

Smiling man in a dimly lit room with colorful art.

Meet David Slapak: A Passionate Advocate for Lifelong Learning

In our ever-evolving world, the value of technology training cannot be overstated, especially for seniors who are often keen on embracing new tools and skills. At the forefront of this mission is David Slapak, a dedicated technology trainer at Senior Planet Miami. Since joining the team in January 2024, David has blended his extensive background in education with a zeal for helping others navigate the technological landscape.

Transforming Learning Experiences

David’s journey began far from Miami, teaching English as a second language in both South Korea and Turkey. This rich experience has shaped his approach as a trainer at Senior Planet. "The best part is seeing learners take responsibility for their own education," David shares. He believes that when individuals engage actively in their learning, they not only acquire new skills but also develop confidence and independence. His method emphasizes consistency, encouraging students to come to class regularly and create their own learning routines.

The Importance of Perseverance in Technology Education

One of the standout messages from David is the power of perseverance. He often reminds his students, "Never give up." Those moments of frustration are entirely normal; learning technology, like any other skill, takes time and practice. According to David, even small victories, such as mastering a single feature on a smartphone, should be celebrated. By adopting a mindset of growth, learners can progress at their own pace, gradually increasing their technological prowess.

Embracing the Culture of Miami

David attributes much of his enthusiasm for work to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Miami. The city's broad spectrum of cultures creates a unique environment where individuals from varied backgrounds come together, sharing knowledge and experiences. This diversity not only enriches the classroom but also fosters a community bond, where learning becomes a shared journey. From lively neighborhoods to renowned culinary scenes and beautiful beach sunsets, Miami serves as a beautiful backdrop for David's teaching journey.

A Diverse Array of Hobbies and Interests

Outside of his professional endeavors, David is a true renaissance man with a vast array of hobbies that include everything from basketball and video games to cooking and astronomy. He values curiosity, claiming, "I learn something new every day." Such enthusiasm is key in keeping his training sessions dynamic and engaging, as he often integrates his varied interests into lessons, making them relatable and fun.

Aging with Attitude

For David, "Aging with Attitude" signifies embracing the aging process without societal stigma. He encourages his learners to face aging head-on, adapting and thriving as circumstances change. To him, healthy aging involves continuous learning, sustaining relationships, and remaining open to new experiences. With this philosophy, David embodies the spirit of lifelong learning himself.

Conclusion: Take the Leap into Learning

David Slapak represents the heart of Senior Planet Miami — a community dedicated to empowering seniors through technology. His enthusiasm for teaching and commitment to fostering independent learning inspire many. If you or someone you know is looking to embrace the digital age and learn alongside others, don’t hesitate to explore the offerings at Senior Planet. With devoted trainers like David, the journey to becoming tech-savvy has never been more accessible and enjoyable.

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01.16.2026

Unlocking African American Lineages: The US Black Heritage Project

Update The US Black Heritage Project: A Beacon of Identity and Connection In the quest for identity, many families find themselves grappling with a legacy shrouded in silence and erased histories. For Black Americans, tracing family roots can be particularly complex, especially given the legacies of slavery and systemic barriers to proper recordkeeping. However, inspired by the gaps in genealogical research, the US Black Heritage Project at WikiTree has stepped in to provide a beacon of hope, reuniting families with their rich histories. Addressing the Gaps in Family History The US Black Heritage Project emerged in response to the challenges faced by genealogists and families in uncovering their ancestral lineages. Founded by Emma MacBeath, a genetic genealogist, and supported by Denise Jarrett, the project aims to document African American family histories in a way that is comprehensive and accessible. By creating a free online database, the project has succeeded in connecting over 625,000 family members—including approximately 250,000 enslaved ancestors. How It Works: A Collaborative Community WikiTree stands out from its competitors like Ancestry.com by being entirely free and reliant on community contributions for accuracy. Users are required to provide proof for their data, ensuring the profiles of ancestors listed are both authentic and educational. This initiative is supplemented with regular training sessions, particularly aimed at older adults who find online platforms intimidating. Members can participate in Zoom calls that provide step-by-step guidance in using the site effectively. Why This Project Matters For many Black Americans, names can represent lost histories, and the act of saying these names is emotionally profound. Project leaders emphasize the significance of acknowledging their existence, reconnecting descendants to their ancestors whose names may have faded into obscurity. As MacBeath joyfully describes, “the greatest personal joy is saying the names of enslaved ancestors, many of whom haven’t had their name said for many generations.” This connection is not only about genealogy; it's about exploring culture, identity, and belonging. Real-Life Impact: Stories That Transform Lives Among the countless narratives generated through the project, Denise Jarrett highlights a poignant story of personal resonance: creating a family heritage record for a dear friend currently battling breast cancer. By building this record, present and future generations can access their family’s history, fostering a cultural connection that transcends time. Such initiatives highlight the emotional weight of genealogy, linking individuals to broader familial legacies. Challenges and Future Aspirations Despite its success, the US Black Heritage Project is not without challenges. MacBeath notes that while volunteers are helping document records, the project struggles with a shortage of manpower to process an overwhelming number of documents in circulation. This limitation hinders the team’s potential to expedite their mission of connecting families and strengthening the historical narrative of Black Americans. Every contribution matters, and increasing participation can lead to achieving statured goals, like reaching 775,000 profiles by 2026. Get Involved: Join the Movement The US Black Heritage Project encourages anyone interested in exploring their roots or supporting the mission to participate. Whether you want to volunteer, donate records, or contribute your time to assist others in the community, the project welcomes support from people of all backgrounds. Such efforts not only enrich the database but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of African American history. Conclusion: A Call to Action As we reflect on the various threads of America’s history, the US Black Heritage Project reminds us of the importance of preserving our collective narratives. Restoring family connections and reclaiming histories is a meaningful endeavor that cultivates awareness, empathy, and a sense of belonging in a shared human experience. Become a part of history—visit the US Black Heritage Project on WikiTree today, and help make a difference in documenting the legacies of Black Americans.

01.15.2026

Get Ready for a Personalized Senior Planet: A New and Improved Website Experience!

Update Senior Planet's Exciting Website Upgrade: What to Expect In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, it's crucial for organizations to adapt and enhance user experience, especially for older adults. Senior Planet has recognized this need and is set to unveil an upgraded website that reflects what its community has been asking for. This improvement aligns with their commitment to continuously support seniors in navigating technology and enhancing their everyday lives. Enhanced Features for a Personalized Experience At the heart of this redesign is the introduction of user accounts. This feature will allow seniors to create personalized profiles, enabling them to save classes they are interested in, access recordings of past classes, and bookmark articles and videos for future reference. It’s a welcome upgrade that aims to make their digital experience not just simpler, but more relevant. According to Deirdre Lee, Director of Virtual Program Experiences for Senior Planet, “By integrating this personalized touch, we're making it easier for our users to engage with the rich resources we offer.” Best of Both Worlds: Familiarity Meets Innovation For those who might not feel comfortable creating accounts, the good news is that existing functionalities will remain intact. Users can continue to join programs and access resources without an account, ensuring that no one feels excluded. The interface will have a refreshed look, but it will maintain the user-friendly layout that current users appreciate. This balance of familiarity and innovation is a wise move to cater to older generations, who often prefer stability as new features are introduced. New Features Designed with Seniors in Mind Senior Planet has also incorporated several helpful new features that aim to improve usability and accessibility. For example, reminders will notify users about class schedules and potential cancellations. Additionally, the improved “Add to Calendar” function now supports various platforms, including Outlook, making it easier for seniors to stay organized. Further, with the new ability to browse and filter content by topics of interest, seniors will spend less time searching and more time learning. This approach not only facilitates learning but also encourages participation in programs related to creativity and technology. Continued Commitment to Accessibility One of Senior Planet's core missions has always been to design its platform by and for older adults. Usability principles such as large text and clean layouts guarantee that the website remains accessible and engaging for seniors. As noted in the feedback collected, many seniors have expressed satisfaction with the existing layout, emphasizing the importance of continuity alongside innovation. A Future-Ready Platform The anticipated launch of the new Senior Planet website isn’t just a facelift; it represents a vital step forward in making technology more accessible for older adults. The revamped site will not only serve as a portal for online classes but also foster community through its interactive elements. As more seniors engage with technology, platforms like Senior Planet are essential in promoting lifelong learning and social interaction. Stay Informed: Get Ready for the Launch! For those eager to experience the new site first-hand, Senior Planet recommends signing up for newsletters. Being informed about launch dates, updates, and upcoming classes ensures that users are prepared to make the most of what is now available. In a world where technological advancements happen swiftly, staying connected with communities like Senior Planet can create an enriching experience filled with learning and connection. This thoughtful redesign isn’t merely about aesthetics—it’s about putting users first and ensuring that as the world continues to digitalize, no senior is left behind. It’s a reminder of the importance of community, adaptability, and the potential for growth at any age.

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Essential Exercise Tips for Seniors: Prevent Falling Forward Safely

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