Americans have recognized the importance of broadband connectivity. A parallel, but perhaps less recognized, task is to teach subscribers how to get the most of all this sophisticated technology. A blog post from AT&T illustrates how it is promoting digital literacy among seniors, arguably the group most likely to be left behind.
The company cites encouraging usage statistics from an AARP study. It found that Americans 50 years of age and older are using various digital tools: Ninety-four percent text, 88% email, 74% are on social media and 67% video chat.
There are diverse drivers of this involvement such as keeping up with family, helping younger relatives with online learning and monitoring their health, AT&T said. Learning about the technologies can unlock the door to more productive use of available tools, and AT&T has contributed to a range of workshops to help seniors learn about the technologies, the post said.
“Digital literacy workshops celebrate the wealth of life experiences that seniors bring to the table while simultaneously demystifying complex concepts in an approachable manner,” the blog post noted. “Through a supportive and inclusive approach, these events aim to foster an environment where seniors feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance.”
The blog offered three examples of digital workshops.
- A digital workshop at The Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center in Cleveland helped a 64-year-old better track his household finances and a 74-year-old find a part-time home-based job.
- A workshop at the Oshkosh Seniors Center in Wisconsin explained the financial benefits of the Affordable Connectivity Program, best practices for Internet use, online safety, avoiding scams, accessing Wi-Fi and conducting virtual meetings. The carrier made a $10,000 contribution towards new training courses.
- The Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALEF) in Los Angeles is running several digital literacy workshops this summer that are conducted in Spanish.
The axiom that seniors are afraid of or reluctant to use technology seems to be fading. The COVID-19 pandemic likely is a main factor. In March 2021, Parks Associates reported that 34% of all U.S. senior broadband households use smart speakers or smart displays. The firm defined seniors as those over 64 years of age.
