Older Adults and Technology: A Challenge Massachusetts Is Trying to Address
In an increasingly digital society, not having internet access can become a serious problem for older adults in Massachusetts.
Not knowing how to use technology can become a barrier as significant as lacking transportation or access to healthcare.
For older adults in Massachusetts, technology now affects essential aspects of daily life:
- Telehealth medical appointments.
- Applying for benefits.
- Communicating with family members.
- Accessing health information.
- Educational and community activities.
- Banking and financial management.
However, a significant portion of the older population still faces difficulties accessing the digital world.
The Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative (MHAC) launched the Aging Network Digital Equity Survey.
This statewide survey is directed at organizations that work with older adults, with the goal of better understanding this issue and strengthening existing resources.
Older Adults in Massachusetts: Concerning Statistics
The aging population continues to grow rapidly in Massachusetts and throughout the United States.
According to state and federal data:
- More than 1.7 million Massachusetts residents are age 60 or older.
- By 2030, an estimated one in four state residents will be an older adult.
- Millions of older adults in the United States still lack basic digital skills.
- Many low-income older adults rely exclusively on cell phones to access the internet.
- Digital barriers especially affect immigrant older adults, rural residents, and communities with language barriers.
Several national studies also show that older adults with limited digital access are more likely to experience:
- Social isolation.
- Difficulty accessing healthcare.
- Mental health challenges.
- Greater functional dependence.
Sources:
Executive Office of Aging & Independence
Pew Research Center – Technology Use Among Seniors
BMC Geriatrics Study on Digital Exclusion
What Is the Executive Office of Aging & Independence?
The Executive Office of Aging & Independence is the Massachusetts state agency responsible for developing policies, programs, and resources that support older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities.
The agency works in areas such as:
- Healthy aging.
- Access to community services.
- Nutrition and wellness.
- Prevention of social isolation.
- Caregiver support.
- Digital inclusion and technology access.
In recent years, digital access has become an increasing priority because of its impact on the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults.
The Digital Divide Is Also a Public Health Issue
Experts now consider digital equity to be a social determinant of health.
Not having internet access or digital skills can make it difficult to:
- Schedule medical appointments.
- Use telehealth platforms.
- Apply for state benefits.
- Access reliable information.
- Maintain social connections.
- Participate in community activities.
Digital isolation often becomes emotional and social isolation as well.
What Is the Survey About?
The Aging Network Digital Equity Survey seeks to identify which organizations are already working on digital inclusion.
At the same time, it aims to identify the main digital equity needs across Massachusetts.
The initiative is directed at:
- Councils on Aging.
- Senior Centers.
- Area Agencies on Aging.
- Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs).
- Libraries.
- Community organizations.
The survey includes questions about:
- Access to technological devices.
- Internet connectivity.
- Digital literacy training.
- Technical support.
- Existing programs.
- Unmet needs.
- Barriers older adults face.
- Resources organizations need to expand services.
It also asks whether organizations want to be included in future public digital equity resource directories.
What Will Happen With the Responses?
According to organizers, responses will be used to:
- Map existing resources.
- Identify digital access gaps.
- Strengthen collaboration networks.
- Connect organizations with partners and support.
- Guide future statewide policies.
- Create a public list of digital equity resources.
Individual contact information will not be shared publicly, and organizations may request to be excluded from public resource directories.
Organizers also explained that responses will help create shared learning opportunities among organizations across the state.
“Share, Learn, Connect”
The survey campaign uses the slogan:
“Share, Learn, Connect.”
The goal is to create a statewide network where organizations can:
- Share successful experiences.
- Learn from other programs.
- Connect with strategic partners.
- Strengthen community initiatives.
Officials say that even organizations that are just beginning digital inclusion efforts can provide valuable insight into the real needs of communities.
Until When Can Organizations Respond?
The survey will remain open until Friday, June 5, and takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
Organizers ask that each organization submit only one consolidated response.
The survey can be completed here:
Aging Network Digital Equity Survey
For additional questions, organizations can contact Molly Evans at:
Molly.R.Evans@mass.gov
Organizations Working to Close the Digital Divide
Several organizations in Massachusetts are already working to improve digital access for older adults.
Free Digital Literacy Classes
Massachusetts Councils on Aging
Offers programs, community resources, and support to promote independence and well-being for older adults.
Tech Goes Home
Provides technology training, devices such as Chromebooks and iPads, and internet access for families, older adults, and vulnerable communities in Massachusetts.
Device Distribution and Technology Access
Human-I-T
National organization that helps reduce the digital divide through refurbished device distribution, affordable internet access, and technical support for vulnerable communities.
Affordable Internet Access Programs
EveryoneOn
Connects families and older adults with affordable internet options, accessible devices, and digital literacy programs.
Verizon Forward Program
Helps low-income households access more affordable internet through discounted connectivity services.
The program seeks to reduce digital barriers and improve access to education, telehealth, and essential services.
Technical Support and Personalized Guidance
Cyber-Seniors
Program focused on teaching digital skills to older adults through personalized support, workshops, and technology mentoring.
AARP Senior Planet
Offers free courses on technology, digital safety, devices, social media, and online tools for older adults.
OATS Older Adults Technology Services
Works to help older adults learn and use technology safely and independently.
Through its Senior Planet program, OATS offers classes, workshops, and technology support to reduce digital isolation.
Bilingual and Multicultural Resources
My Health Fair
Platform that connects Massachusetts communities with healthcare organizations through a virtual health fair model.
Its mission is to address language barriers and low health literacy 365 days a year.
NeighborHealth
Provides comprehensive healthcare, community services, social support, and programs for vulnerable populations, including older adults and immigrants.
It also helps patients connect with technology, telehealth, and digital service resources.
The Immigrant Learning Center
Educational organization that works with immigrant communities by offering classes, digital training, and community integration programs.
Much More Than Technology
Experts agree that closing the digital divide is not only about teaching people how to use computers.
It also means ensuring that thousands of older adults can:
- Maintain independence.
- Access essential services.
- Reduce isolation.
- Protect their mental health.
- Stay connected with their communities.
As more services move into digital environments, technological inclusion is becoming a critical tool for healthy aging and social equity.
