Earlier this year, Verizon partnered with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP as one of its strategic partners to help families across the country build healthy tech habits as part of its responsible business digital wellness initiative —recognizing our deep expertise in engaging and empowering older adults through technology. Through our flagship program, Senior Planet, we’ve helped thousands of older adults build the skills and confidence to thrive in the digital age.
The partnership has realized the following accomplishments:
To start, OATS proudly participated in Verizon’s first-ever Digital Wellness Summit, hosted by Drew Barrymore. The event brought together leaders from OATS, Discovery Education, MyDigital TAT2, and Sesame Workshop to elevate a shared commitment to helping families across the country navigate digital life with confidence and care. Executive Director Tom Kamber represented OATS, ensuring that the voices and needs of older adults were included in the national conversation about digital wellness and healthy technology use across generations.
Building on this momentum, OATS designed and launched a series of multi-week digital wellness courses tailored specifically for older adults. Delivered both in person and online through seniorplanet.org, these courses provide practical, hands-on tools for navigating the digital world. From recognizing online scams to managing privacy settings and staying socially connected, older adults are gaining the confidence and skills they need to use technology safely, securely, and meaningfully.
To deepen this impact even further, OATS and Verizon prioritized accessibility by bringing digital wellness programming directly into the community through workshops in Verizon retail locations in the cities of Fresno, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, where older adults can attend hands-on learning sessions in familiar, trusted spaces. These workshops meet participants where they are—both geographically and in their digital journey—offering personalized support, practical skills, and a welcoming environment to build digital confidence.
Thanks to Verizon’s partnership and support, OATS has significantly expanded its reach and impact—empowering thousands of older adults nationwide to navigate the digital world with confidence, security, and independence.
Written by Saunya Connelly
Thanks to Verizon’s partnership and support, OATS has significantly expanded its reach and impact—empowering thousands of older adults nationwide to navigate the digital world with confidence, security, and independence.