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
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