Older adults often find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide.
The spreading social isolation among older adults is wide-ranging and as diverse as older adults are themselves. For some, lack of internet use means not taking advantage of tools that could help reduce feelings of loneliness. For others, this could mean an inability to manage finances online or use telehealth services to stay safely at home during quarantine.
The core issue can be boiled down to this: Older adults often find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Nearly 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and over are considered socially isolated, and nearly 1 out of 3 adults over 45 feel lonely. Social isolation increases the chance of premature death and rivals the risks of smoking, obesity and inactivity. 1
The core issue can be boiled down to this: Older adults often find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Digitunity, along with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and the Humana Foundation, are actively working together to reach isolated older adults with technology, including computer devices, skills training, and ongoing support, through a national campaign called Aging Connected.
Frequently Requested Resources for Older Adults
As part of our commitment to providing technology, education, skills training, internet and other resources to individuals and organization that are serving older adults, we’ve bundled free information guides and links to websites that can provide more information on these frequently asked questions (available to adults age 60 and older):
- How the digital divide is impacting older adults.
- Where can I apply for low and no-cost computers?
- Where can I find a tech support hotline?
- How to find low-cost internet programs, including info on the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB).
- Access to free courses, programs, and activities for adults age 60 and older.
- Are there other ways I can get involved?
To learn more about the this critical issue and connect to FREE downloadable resources from Digitunity and Aging Connected, fill out the form below.
Download the Older Adults Digital Resource Bundle Now…
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