As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, the need for technology support among seniors has never been more critical. In the United States, 62 million adults are over the age of 65, and this number is projected to reach 84 million by 2054. To address the growing demand for digital literacy and support, various organizations have emerged, offering tailored services to help seniors navigate the complexities of modern technology.
The Senior Planet website, established in 2015, provides an array of free online resources geared towards older adults. It offers articles, courses, lectures, demo videos, and workshops in English, Spanish, and Cantonese. This initiative aims to empower seniors by enhancing their digital skills and facilitating their engagement with the online world.
Candoo, launched in 2019, focuses on delivering technology support specifically for seniors. It provides in-person training in several locations, allowing seniors to receive hands-on assistance. This personalized approach fosters an environment where seniors can comfortably learn to use technology at their own pace.
Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) was founded in 2004 with a mission to promote digital literacy among older adults. OATS.org showcases the organization's 20-year history of outreach and connectivity programs. The platform also features an online community portal and social network, enabling seniors to connect and share experiences. OATS further supports seniors by pairing them with student volunteers for free one-on-one tech support and training.
“Older people are increasingly using tech for learning about healthy living and medical issues, about finances and professional skills—some are still working—and simply to stay sharp mentally.” – Tom Kamber, the executive director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and the Senior Planet educational program at AARP.
OATS operates satellite locations in several cities across the United States, including New York City, Denver, San Antonio, and Miami. These centers serve as hubs for digital learning and community building, providing seniors with accessible resources to enhance their tech proficiency.
Inspired by a 2014 documentary about Canadian seniors learning to use the internet for the first time, Cyber-Seniors offers virtual one-on-one training via Zoom. This service is particularly beneficial for seniors who prefer learning from home or have mobility challenges. Cyber-Seniors' volunteers are proficient in English, Spanish, and French, ensuring language is not a barrier to learning.
“Sometimes learning from non-family members works best, because we tend to be more patient with other people,” – Skye N. Leedahl, a professor of human development and family science at the University of Rhode Island.
Quincy, established in 2020, provides virtual one-on-one training and fraud protection services for seniors. The organization offers a free consultation to assist seniors in selecting a suitable plan for tech concierge support. Quincy’s plans start at $5 per month and include 14 minutes of free support per month for Medicare recipients.
Smarter Service tailors its approach by offering personalized one-on-one technical assistance based on the complexity of a senior's digital needs. With service hours from 9 am to 8 pm ET on weekdays and 9 am to 2 pm ET on Saturdays, Smarter Service ensures availability that aligns with seniors’ schedules.
The University of Rhode Island collaborates with Cyber-Seniors to extend its reach in providing tech support. This partnership highlights the importance of academic institutions in supporting community initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide for older adults.
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