While technology can literally save lives by staving off loneliness, tech solutions only work that magic when older adults know how to use them. A recent Washington Post article, “Calming computer jitters: Help for the elderly who aren’t tech-savvy,” compiled a list of user-friendly tech help programs, summarized below.

Read on to find training, support, and connectivity programs you can share with the people you serve, as well as upcoming CAST sessions at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting + EXPO to help you learn more about bridging the digital divide.

Online Training and Tech Support

The generationsonline.org/apps offerings through Generations on Line walk people through how to use a tablet or smartphone, along with training for email, Internet, and Zoom use.

Cyber-Seniors connects older adults with volunteer youth who serve as digital mentors and provide free tech support and training for older adults.

Online Classes

Senior Planet from AARP offers free virtual classes on messaging apps, electronic health record portals, connecting to the internet, a tech discussion group lunch and learn, and more.

AARP’s Virtual Community Center also offers classes through a partnership between AARP and OATS. The Washington Post reported that tens of thousands of older adults participate in these classes.

Connectivity

Through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program,  the Federal Communications Commission offers a $50 monthly discount on internet access and up to $100 to help people who have low incomes to buy a computer or tablet. Applicants must qualify for the federal Lifeline program to be eligible. Learn more about the program and a find toolkit to help you spread the word in this recent Tech Time article.

Aging Connected, also offered through OATS, helps older adults find low-cost options for internet access and has a goal to bring 1 million older adults online by 2022.

Candoo Tech is a fee-based service offering one-on-one tech support sessions, device installation and setup, and an online membership to offer ongoing assistance.

GetSetUp uses peer-to-peer interactions to demystify technology. Older adults may call to connect with retired teachers who will walk them through tech challenges. Participants can join small classes on technology, travel, food, health and wellness, finances, and more.

The article also cited AARP’s latest annual survey of Americans aged 50+, which found some reasons for older adults’ reluctance to use technology. Among respondents, 54% wanted to better understand how to use their devices, 37% said they were not confident with the technology, and 44% of older adults indicated they have privacy concerns about their online actions.

Related CAST Sessions at LeadingAge Annual Meeting

To learn more about increasing access to technology and building social connectedness and engagement online, attend the LeadingAge Annual Meeting + EXPO, Oct. 24-27, 2021, in Atlanta. Several sessions in the Aging Services Technologies track will pique your interest:

3-B. The Digital Divide: Achieving Inclusion and Equity for All

5-D. Promoting Wellness in a Socially Distanced World

7-E. Technology Support and Training for Residents and Clients

10-G. Internet Connectivity in Affordable Housing

12-H. Leveraging Technology to Build Community During COVID

Register today!

CAST Technology Selection Tool and Resident/Client Technology Guide

If you are looking at bringing social connectedness technology in-house, be sure to use the LeadingAge CAST Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Selection Tool. It provides background on how to use these technologies, as well as online tools to help you narrow the available technologies on the market. You may also want to check out our Resident/Client Technology Guide for different models to provide training and support for resident-facing technology.