Introducing “Aging Connected”

As the Executive Director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Senior Planet from AARP, it is my mission every day to help connect older adults with technology that can dramatically improve their lives.

However, the reality facing nearly 22 million older adults in America is that they do not have access to broadband internet service at home. Seniors’ lack of digital connectivity is a crisis with profound effects, ranging from a lack of public health information, diminished social support, and high rates of social isolation.

To help close the digital divide facing seniors today, OATS and the Humana Foundation have partnered to launch a nationwide campaign called Aging Connected, with the goal of bringing one million older Americans online by 2022.

Here’s our plan to bridge the connectivity gap:

1. Publicize and clearly articulate the value of broadband to seniors

2. Prioritize social equity and inclusion

3. Expand access to low-cost offers

4. Develop content, communities, and experiences for older adults to increase utilization of broadband services

Through Aging Connected, OATS is coordinating the efforts of telecommunications companies, nonprofit senior service providers, and public sector agencies to help seniors maximize the benefit of broadband internet.

If you or any of your friends want to learn the basics about how to thrive online, we encourage you to attend a free event hosted by Senior Planet. Know of someone who needs access to high-speed internet? Visit agingconnected.org to use our low-cost internet search tool, or call the Aging Connected hotline for support at 1-877-745-1930.

We look forward to helping you get — and stay — connected!

Have a question? Reply to this email and we’ll be in touch! Or, call our national hotline at 920-666-1959

Sincerely,

Tom Kamber
Executive Director, Senior Planet from AARP