Digital Wellness in a Digital World

The challenge

Despite the growing importance of digital tools, many older adults face persistent barriers to confident and secure technology use. Nearly one‑quarter of adults age 65 and older are socially isolated, and 43% of adults age 60 and older report feeling lonely. Concerns about privacy and scams can limit technology adoption and engagement and further deepen social isolation. Older adults are disproportionately targeted for scams and fraud, with 25% of adults ages 50 and older citing lack of trust and privacy as their greatest source of technology‑related stress.

The strategy

Verizon and Tracfone teamed up with OATS to deliver co-branded technology education focused on digital wellness for adults ages 50 and older. Digital wellness offers a framework for helping older adults use technology safely and confidently, supporting social connection and overall well-being. When older adults receive guidance that emphasizes practical skills, reassurance, and trust, the impact can be immediate and meaningful. Through a combination of in-person, virtual, and multi-week courses at affiliate partners, the Verizon Digital Wellness Initiative aimed to transform fear into confidence, equipping older adults with practical digital skills they could immediately apply in their lives.

The solution

In 2025, 1,874 Verizon and Tracfone-supported technology sessions were delivered, resulting in 29,838 participations from older adults across virtual, in-person, and affiliate program formats. Virtual programming reached older adults across the country, while in-person programming spanned eight major locations: New York, Miami, Denver, Fresno, Dallas, Boston, Houston, and Philadelphia, with additional events in North Carolina and South Carolina. The initiative featured both single session lectures and multi week courses, with a strong emphasis on smartphone use and online safety. Core topics included smartphone basics, passwords and passkeys, scam awareness, privacy settings, artificial intelligence, and app navigation. Read the project case study here.