Tech training for seniors thrives as a market sector.(Council on Aging)(Brief Article)

When Danvers opened its $2.5 million senior center in 1999, the town had no intentions of leaving its older citizens stuck in the 20th century.

Along with typical gathering spaces, the Council on Aging made sure the center had a modern computer lab, with eight computers, Internet access, scanners and printers.

The COA had no intentions of leaving the computers idle, either. Its winter computer course schedule offers everything from introductory sessions to PowerPoint tutorials.

Despite the inviting center, seniors aren't always anxious to take advantage of the high-tech offerings. Some are afraid they'll break the pricey equipment, others are nervous about learning something that seems so foreign, while a few see little need for computers in their lives.

Nonetheless, COA director Mary Kelly pushes seniors to try their hand. She's not alone.

Recognizing that seniors …