Digital Equity
Older adults are disproportionately impacted by the digital divide.
Broadband connectivity is a key social determinant of health, yet across America in both urban and rural areas, nearly 22 million seniors do not have wireless broadband at home. Without it, older adults at any socioeconomic level, particularly low-income individuals, face social isolation and disconnection from tele-health services, disaster preparedness, employment opportunities, and more.
The digital divide is about more than connectivity. Many seniors also lack suitable digital devices and technical training and support, leaving them without critical information about cybersecurity and staying safe online. The three components of digital equity are internet access, a suitable device, and digital literacy and training. These components represent the key to closing the digital divide for millions of older Americans.
Our impact-based work includes implementing programs for older adults across the country.
Programs in San Antonio help seniors recover post-pandemic, virtual courses help older caregivers schedule appointments online, and classes on technology-based transportation tools allow older adults in Colorado to reconnect in-person.
Ahead of the 2024 Digital Equity Act Capacity and Competitive grant programs, we are interested in collaborating with non-profits, foundations, and community-based organizations.
Connect with us to discuss your digital equity program, digital equity plan implementation, or our digital equity work.
Since 2004, OATS has worked to increase access to technology and build skills among older adults.
Through our flagship program Senior Planet, we offer dozens of free training programs each week. Classes are delivered by expert trainers online and in-person at Senior Planet centers and 400+ local licensed partners across 30 states.
Stories of Connection
After having to cancel her internet service because of the cost, Themla Hall learned about the ACP benefit through a Senior Planet class held at her local community center. “I had no income, but ACP came along just in time. It covers the full cost of my internet. I have no internet bill at all,” said Thelma.
Laura Garcia loves computers and technology but she lives on a fixed income and did not own a computer or smartphone of her own. That changed when Laura was introduced to the ACP benefit, which now allows her to connect with friends and family, and communicate online with her doctors and other healthcare providers.
After Frances Russel’s husband passed away, she began taking classes at her local community center. But when the pandemic hit, classes and church activities were shuttered and Frances found herself isolated and alone. Thanks to the ACP benefit, Frances has a new way to stay connected with her community.
Recent Reports Addressing Digital Equity
We have produced groundbreaking research on the importance of digital connection among older adults age 65+ in Aging Connected, and the influence of social connectedness through digital skills training in Fly Like an Eagle. Read all of our Reports and Publications.
Fly Like an Eagle: Measuring Transformational Social Outcomes Among Seniors Using Technology
During the height of the COVID pandemic, civic leaders in New York City embarked on an extraordinary program to provide technology access, devices, and training to 10,000 older adults living in public housing.
This effort was conceived on an emergency basis, joining officials from multiple city agencies, executives from T-Mobile, and leaders from the nonprofit sector, who planned and implemented an emergency technology program of unprecedented scale to support low-income older adults. These technology assets were a critical resource for older New Yorkers, and they also provided a unique opportunity for learning more about the impact of such programs and what effect would they have on social engagement, symptoms of depression, or feelings of isolation.
The research shows the impact of having an internet-connected tablet and participating in technology training for older NYCHA residents. Participants in the study were more likely to:
- Feel more connected to family and friends: 60% of participants in the study “strongly agreed” that receiving their tablet helped them to feel more connected with family members. 88% of participants who took the technology course said they felt more connected to family and friends.
- Feel less depressed and lonely: Nearly twice as many seniors in the control group reported feeling depressed, compared to those who took the technology course.
Aging Connected: Exposing the Hidden Connectivity Crisis for Older Adults
In partnership with the Humana Foundation, OATS released a report that for the first time quantified the size and degree of the digital isolation crisis among seniors in the United States.
The report commissioned new research by two leading academics on the digital technology gap: John Horrigan from The Technology Policy Institute and Erin York Cornwell from Cornell University. The report presents a detailed portrait of digitally disconnected older adults in America, touching on how many people remain offline, which demographics are disproportionately affected, and more.
Key findings from the study include:
- Nearly 22 million American seniors do not have wireline broadband access at home, representing 42 percent of the nation’s over-65 population.
- Technology is exacerbating social divisions and inequalities. OATS’ research found disturbing correlations between digital disengagement and race, disability, health status, educational attainment, immigration, rural residence, and income.
- Poor broadband can lead to risk of social isolation and limits access to essential public health information, social services, and digital healthcare services like tele-health and apps that manage chronic conditions.
- Public-private partnerships can increase connectivity access and produce positive social outcomes as a result of increased digital engagement.