Time Warner Cable’s “Research Program on Digital Communications” program released the report “Closing Online Access Gaps for Older Adults” www.twcrecarchprogtam.com September 23 at the National Press Club. The report was produced by John Horrigan PhD in conjunction with Project GOAL, an initiative to get more senior citizens online.
According to Debra Berlyn, Executive Director of Project GOAL www.theprojectgoal.org, “The objective is to face the challenges confronting older adults online to identify new and innovative technologies to help the senior community.”
Dr. Horrigan found that the adoption gap for older adults as compared to younger individuals is stark. Over 47 percent of seniors are online at home as compared to over 70 percent of all Americans. This gap is exacerbated by significant deficiencies in digital skills. Of the 29 percent of all Americans with low levels of digital skills, half are seniors. These individuals are less likely to use the internet whether or not they have broadband or use a smart phone.
The report points out that while cost is the most important reason why people under 65 do not have broadband, it is a less significant reason for older adults. For seniors, digital literacy and perceived irrelevance to using technology are the reasons they are more likely to cite when they explain why they are not online.
According to Dr. Horrigan, “The key is to build programs that aim to develop partnerships among organizations that regularly interact with seniors. Any durable solution must also demonstrate value and relevance, so the elderly can understand the utility of broadband in their day-to-day life. As more government, healthcare, and other services go online, building skills and creating comfort for seniors to use technology becomes all the more critical.
Basically, the report notes that there are three strategic priorities needed to increase broadband adoption among older adults. First, nonprofits that wish to draw older adults’ online, need to offer technology solutions in various ways. It is important to use the right software to enable seniors to acclimate to online use without worry that their surfing might results in inappropriately sharing information.
Secondly, older adults need to work with projects aimed at seniors to provide infrastructure and digital skills training. Several models are available such as:
- ConnectedLiving www.connectedliving.com in Massachusetts provides senior living communities with computers, training, and software tailored to seniors
- Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) www.oats.org, aims at training seniors to become confident using the internet
- Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center (ASC-3) www.asc3.org in Cleveland teaches older adults with limited income to use the internet and computers
- SSA’s Senior Community Service Employment Program www.does.dc.gov/service/senior-community-service-employment-program and ASC-3 provide training assistance online for adults 55 and older
According to the report, funding for online seniors’ projects is vital but this funding most likely will have to come from a range of sources such as from government programs, involved in healthcare, Social Security, housing, or other forms of public assistance that have older adults as beneficiaries.