What’s New in Digital Equity: State Toolkit Connects Seniors

Oct 23, 2025 Julia Edinger

Plus, New Mexico and Indiana are both expanding access to broadband, a federal government shift to paperless checks may widen digital inequities, and more.

This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below:

• State Toolkit Connects Seniors
• New Mexico to Expand Infrastructure
• Indiana Connects Homes to Internet
• Urgency of Access With Paperless Federal Checks
• Report Reveals Computer Ownership Gaps

STATE TOOLKIT CONNECTS SENIORS

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence (AGE) released a new toolkit designed to support stakeholders across the state with a vested interest in improving digital skills among older adults — a term typically referring to those of ages 65 and older, per the National Institute on Aging.

The Enhancing Digital Literacy for Older Adults (EDLOA) Playbookaims to support Councils on Aging, Aging Services Access Points, community-based organizations and other partners.

The playbook aims to offer tools and examples via community case studies, strategies for designing and staffing community partnerships and programs, insights on building confidence in adult learners, and links to other resources in this space at both the state and national level.

It compiles insights learned through the EDLOA grant program, which was administered by AGE. During the two-year program, 24 grantees offered digital literacy support to thousands of older adults. This included technical assistance, device lending, and multilingual classes. The grantees were awarded a total of $1.8 million. The program was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative offered technical assistance.

The playbook stresses that there is an important need to teach new adult learners about the digital world in meaningful ways, and that the population faces unique barriers to accessing the Internet. Community-specific feedback can help teach stakeholders about these needs.

Partnerships can play an essential role in bridging these access and literacy gaps in older adults, and there are many organizations that can help, with several highlighted in this playbook. That list includes the Alliance for Digital Equity, AARP’s Older Adults Technology Services through Senior Planet, Cyber Seniors, Essex County Community Foundation, Massachusetts Broadband Institute, Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and Tech Goes Home. Local partners like public libraries, housing departments, local businesses and educational institutions can also help.

The playbook’s key recommendations are to understand the local digital equity landscape, leverage partnerships and collaborations, document work, and continue iterating approaches.

NEW MEXICO TO EXPAND INFRASTRUCTURE

New Mexico’s Office of Broadband Access and Expansion has awarded $200,000 in grants through the state’s Grant Writing, Engineering, and Planning Program (GWEP).

Through GWEP, the state is investing in helping tribes, local governments and cooperatives provide broadband to unserved locations. Currently, $1.7 million is still available in grants through this program.

The two awards announced today will support the Pueblo of Pojoaque and Kit Carson Electric Cooperative Inc., going toward the planning, engineering and grant writing required to build broadband infrastructure. The first recipient will use its grant to strengthen connectivity and support future infrastructure investment; the second will use its award to strengthen federal grant proposals. Each recipient will receive $100,000 in grant funding.

INDIANA CONNECTS HOMES TO INTERNET

In other state news, the Indiana Broadband Office has connected 156 addresses across 30 counties to broadband through the Indiana Connectivity Program’s 15th round. Through this effort, the state contributed $654,676, which was paired with more than $1 million from Internet service providers.

With this money, the program has allocated more than $14 million in funding to service more than 3,000 locations. Broadband providers must complete their projects within nine months of the contract date set through this program.

Homeowners or business owners at unserved or underserved locations can express their interest in participating in this program through the state’s Next Level Connections portal.

URGENCY OF ACCESS WITH PAPERLESS FEDERAL CHECKS

The federal government stopped issuing paper checks for benefits like Social Security as of Sept. 30. Now, payments are deposited directly into bank accounts or onto prepaid debit cards. Because about 15 percent of U.S. households are underbanked and 5 percent unbanked entirely, this change may pose barriers. The reasons individuals may not have or use a bank account can be varied.

The transition to paperless checks aims to simplify processes, but it could also create a new barrier to accessing essential benefits for those who lack bank accounts, Internet service or digital skills.

Nonprofit organizations play a key role in helping people access the Internet, with governments relying more heavily on their support in the wake of the Digital Equity Act’s illegal termination. Although the Digital Equity Act’s termination is being challenged with a lawsuit, the funding is currently unavailable and its programs’ future remains uncertain.

REPORT REVEALS COMPUTER OWNERSHIP GAPS

More than 33 million people in the U.S. either lack a computing device or rely exclusively on a smartphone to use the Internet, according to a report from the nonprofit organization Digitunity. The report explores computer ownership data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey.

Other findings in the report highlight the disparities in computer access. For example, 1 in 7 U.S. households lacks access to a large-screen computer. Older adults are five times more likely to lack a computer than working-age adults, and 1 in 10 older adults relies on a smartphone.

There are even geographic disparities highlighted in the report. For example, a household in Mississippi is three times more likely not to have a large-screen computer than one in Utah.

The report offers recommendations to support expanded access to computer ownership for impacted populations.

California Public Utilities Commission awards $200,000 in funding as part of Digital Divide Grant Program

SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on Thursday approved four grants totaling almost $200,000 to help close the digital divide in low-income urban and rural communities across California.

Officials say the funding comes from the CPUC’s Digital Divide Grant Program, which supports community technology initiatives aimed at expanding broadband access and increasing digital literacy.

The Montague Charter Academy in Pacoima will receive $99,500 to provide 125 LTE-enabled Chromebooks with licenses to underserved students, including those who are homeless and in foster care.

The California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) is set to receive $24,000 for its School2Home program at Cesar E. Chavez Middle School. According to the CPUC, program will offer tablets, Chromebooks, and training to students and parents in a high-poverty rural district.

Cyber-Seniors will be awarded $49,931.51 to launch the Connected Communities program with BridgeLA. The initiative will offer technology training at 40 sites for 300 seniors, many of whom live in disadvantaged neighborhoods, said the CPUC.

The Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) will receive $26,000 to host Family Tech Summits in Fresno and Tulare counties. These summits will provide digital literacy workshops and access to devices for more than 300 underserved families.

The Digital Divide Grant Program is funded through revenues generated by lease agreements for wireless telecommunications facilities on state-owned property. Grants are awarded annually to community-based organizations and schools that provide digital inclusion solutions.

Grant recipients must submit progress and completion reports to ensure accountability and project outcomes. The first progress report is due Dec. 1, 2025, and the final completion report is due June 1, 2026.

The CPUC continues to regulate services and utilities, protect consumers, and assure Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services.

Will Anderson

William Anderson is the Assignment Desk Editor for Action News Now.

He can be reached at wanderson@actionnewsnow.com

Pruitt Library Hosts Cyber Senior Event as Summer Reading Program Surges

July 16, 2025

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Nashville Public Library Board meeting on July 15, 2025, highlighted key initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and digital literacy among residents. A significant focus was placed on ensuring a safe environment for both library staff and patrons, reflecting the board’s commitment to public safety.

One of the standout announcements was the upcoming “Cyber Senior” event, organized by Marion Christman, which invites seniors to learn how to use tablets. Scheduled for Friday at 11 AM at the Pruitt Library, this event aims to bridge the digital divide for older adults, with participants aged 70 to 94 expected to attend. The program not only provides valuable tech skills but also includes lunch, fostering a sense of community among attendees.

In addition to digital inclusion efforts, the board received an update on the summer reading program, which is currently thriving. As of the meeting date, nearly 13,000 readers have participated, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. This includes over 2,200 students from the Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Promising Scholars program. The library has set an ambitious goal of 355,000 reading days by the end of the summer, with both adults and children encouraged to contribute to this total.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the library’s role as a vital community resource, promoting literacy and lifelong learning while addressing the needs of diverse populations. As the summer reading program continues, the library remains focused on fostering a love for reading and ensuring that all residents have access to the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.

Converted from 07/15/25 Nashville Public Library Board meeting on July 16, 2025
Link to Full Meeting

The intergenerational parish: How Catholics can bring together young and old

Juan Merced

July 17, 2025

In many American parishes, it is not uncommon to see distinct age groups seeming to live parallel spiritual lives: seniors at morning Mass, families at Sunday school and young adults (if present at all) at evening services. While each group receives ministry tailored to their needs, something essential is lost when generations remain siloed. This generational segregation represents a missed opportunity that undermines one of the Catholic Church’s greatest strengths: its capacity to bring diverse people together in authentic community.

Young Catholic adults often feel disconnected from parish life, with only 30 percent of Catholics ages 18 to 29 attending Mass weekly (compared with 49 percent of Catholics over 65), according to a 2015 survey by the Pew Research Center. Meanwhile, older Catholics frequently express concern about the future of the faith but also worry that youth-focused initiatives treat them as irrelevant. This divide isn’t merely demographic. It is a pastoral crisis that threatens both the transmission of faith and the vitality of parish communities.

Fortunately, some parishes have discovered that intergenerational mentoring programs create vibrant relationships that enrich spiritual formation while addressing broader social needs. These initiatives go beyond superficial interactions to foster meaningful spiritual companionship between generations.

St. Catherine’s Parish in Milwaukee implemented what they call Faith Companions—a program that pairs seniors with confirmation candidates for a year-long journey. Unlike traditional classroom-based confirmation preparation, this approach creates space for authentic faith sharing. Margaret Sullivan, a 74-year-old participant, describes the transformation: “I expected to teach Julia about the catechism, but we’ve also had incredible conversations about doubt, hope and how God works differently in our lives. Her questions have revitalized my own faith.”

What makes such programs successful is their mutuality. Rather than positioning the older generation merely as teachers and the younger as students, effective intergenerational ministry recognizes the gifts each brings. Young adults offer technological savvy, fresh perspectives on tradition and challenging questions that prevent faith from becoming stagnant. Older adults contribute wisdom, institutional memory and lived examples of faithfulness through difficult seasons.

The biblical foundations for this approach are clear. The prophet Joel foresaw a time when “your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions” (Jl 2:28). This image suggests not separate spiritual tracks but rather complementary charisms that, when brought together, reveal God’s complete vision for the community.

Pope Francis highlighted this dynamic in the apostolic exhortation “Christus Vivit,” writing that young people “call us to renewed and expansive hope, for they represent new directions for humanity.” Yet he also emphasized that elders provide “memory and wisdom for the young.” This intergenerational exchange is not optional but is essential to healthy Catholic communities.

Practical implementation requires intentional structures. Successful parish programs share several characteristics.

First, they create formal opportunities for relationship building through shared activities with spiritual significance. St. Michael’s parish in Atlanta, for example, pairs seniors and young professionals for monthly service projects, followed by theological reflection. Through shared service at a homeless shelter or community garden, conversations about faith naturally emerge in context rather than through an imposed curriculum.

Second, effective programs encourage reciprocal ministry. For example, programs like Cyber-Seniors at Catholic parishes and schools create opportunities where tech-savvy students provide workshops helping older parishioners navigate digital tools, while seniors offer career mentoring and life wisdom to these same students. This mutual exchange of gifts dignifies both generations.

Third, successful initiatives incorporate intergenerational prayer practices. At Holy Cross Parish in Boston, the Pray It Forward program creates small groups with members spanning multiple decades who meet monthly to learn and practice different prayer traditions. These groups explore various forms of Catholic prayer and contemplative practices, from traditional devotions to contemporary expressions. This creates a fertile environment for spiritual growth that transcends age-specific approaches by showing how the richness of Catholic spirituality can appeal to and unite people across generations.

The benefits extend beyond individual spiritual formation. Parishes implementing these programs report increased Mass attendance across age groups, more diverse volunteer participation and greater financial stability as younger members develop stronger institutional commitment. These observed benefits, though not yet formally studied in a comprehensive way, represent the consistent experience of parishes committed to intergenerational ministry. More importantly, these communities show the value of an alternative to America’s age-segregated culture.

Challenges exist, of course. Getting people’s attention remains difficult in our over-programmed society. Generational differences in communication styles and theological emphases—where different age groups may tend to focus on different aspects of church teaching—require patience and skilled facilitation. Some participants initially resist relationships outside their comfort zones. Yet parishes that persevere through these growing pains discover unexpected graces.

For Catholic communities seeking renewal, intentional intergenerational mentoring offers a path forward that honors tradition while remaining responsive to contemporary needs. Our parishes might rediscover their vitality by facilitating meaningful connections across the age spectrum—creating communities where wisdom and innovation, memory and hope, tradition and fresh expression come together in a living witness to the timelessness of the Catholic faith.

In a society increasingly defined by generational antagonism, parishes practicing authentic intergenerational ministry become countercultural signs of unity amid our diverse church community. They demonstrate that the body of Christ transcends age brackets and demographic categories, offering instead a vision of community where every member, regardless of age, has essential gifts to share in our common journey toward God.

Juan Merced is a Catholic social ethicist and director of the Center for Community Engagement at Boston College.

Getting comfortable with health technology isn’t really scary

By Jim Paterson June 20, 2025

If you ask for help while using a parking app, setting up your TV or scheduling a doctor’s appointment online – or if you use the word “password” as your actual password – you may need to more fully embrace technology.

Like senior moments of forgetfulness or repetition of bad jokes, lagging tech skills are something your adult children probably joke about on their ride home or in chats at the playground with other parents – or maybe worry about a little bit.

But being tech savvy is increasingly essential for everything from dog grooming appointments to getting help quickly if you fall. And, as scary as artificial intelligence may sound, it can help us get critical and noncritical information (What was Maxwell Smart’s real name and is he dead?), as well as organize fleeting thoughts or let someone know we need help.

Laurie Orlov hosts a website (ageinplacetech.com) with an exhaustive array of information on the intersection of tech and health. She said many seniors are doing a better job staying current, in part thanks to the pandemic, when we learned to zoom and bicker with Amazon chatbots.

“Seniors want to communicate with grandchildren and stream TV,” she said. “But increasingly, it is critical for one other thing: their health.”

Tekia Lee, director of Dover BAYADA at Bayhealth, which offers home health care, said seniors should embrace telehealth, especially in areas like Sussex County where a large and growing population of retirees is outpacing the supply of doctors.

“Both virtual and home health appointments can ensure seniors get timely care, particularly those with limited mobility,” said Lee. “Our nurses can assist clients with various technologies, monitoring devices and basic communication tools for telehealth.”

There are platforms to help with specific health concerns, such as myAir, which tracks the effectiveness of CPAP equipment, and several that monitor pacemaker functions. Checkme Suit is a portable vital signs device providing detailed reports on a host of functions.

Researchers have shown that using a diabetes app improved hemoglobin and blood sugar levels significantly over three months – and there are nearly 20 systems to choose from.

Joseph Zazworskey, BAYADA division director of clinical practice, said congestive heart failure patients can avoid frequent hospitalization with remote monitoring. Also, a third of Bayada’s patients require wound care, and he said video technology allows the whole care team to see and guide the healing process.

“Patients want to stay out of the hospital, and combining home health care with new technologies helps them do that,” he said. “Being able to send messages and get test results electronically – even meet by video – can be a lot faster than getting a doctor on the phone or an in-person appointment.

“The next generation of wearable devices will be able to monitor your health on the go. A phone app will monitor your activity level, risks, disease exacerbation and changes in your condition,” Zazworskey said.

The National Council on Aging has Medical Guardian as its top fall-detection device choice, but also praised Bay Alarm Medical, Mobile Help and LifeFone. Lots of good info on falls is available at the NCOA website.

“Homes with sensors now can detect lack of movement or falls and directly communicate with hospitals, caregivers and doctors,” Orlov said.

Ana-Maria Vranceanu, a Harvard researcher, said wearable health trackers like the Apple Watch, Fitbit and Garmin can monitor heart rate, steps and sleep, and report falls. SilverSneakers offers online fitness classes.

At night, you can track your sleep accurately and easily with an Apple Watch and your iPhone, but the New York Times also recommends SleepScore or Sleep Cycle for all devices.

“Also, AI can help with cognitive activity, or act as memory support or gather information,” Vranceanu said. “It can even support setting up technologies like health trackers or transportation apps, which can get nondrivers to appointments.”

Free AI platforms like Claude, ChatGPT and Google Gemini are easy to use, and an AI-based platform called Care Daily can detect if a family member got out of bed, took medicine, turned off the stove or interacted with other people. 

Hearing aids are getting more sophisticated and increasingly addressing the nettlesome problem of background noise. Now your phone also can link to Apple AirPods Pro 2 for a basic hearing boost. A table microphone can allow users to focus on the primary speaker, and tinnitus masking and speech enhancement technology is changing continually.

Medication can be ordered online and managed through e-pill or MedMinder, while voice-activated virtual assistants like Alexa or a cellphone can offer reminders, instead of relying on notes taped to the refrigerator door.

About insurance coverage, Zazworskey said many telehealth functions are covered, but its authorization expires this fall if it isn’t renewed.

If all this sounds confusing, Senior Planet offers classes on health tech, and Cyber-Seniors offers free tech help and classes, including about AI.

Or, you can ask for an explanation from the child who jokes about your password.

How to help older relatives stay safe online – without causing offence

Ann Hui Generations Reporter

May 5, 2025

About 18 months ago, Maria Wu received a call that left her shaken. Ms. Wu’s mother-in-law, who is in her 70s, had been on the receiving end of a so-called “grandparent scam” – a call from an anonymous number, with a voice that sounded like her son’sclaiming to need a large sum of cash for an emergency.

Luckily, Ms. Wu’s older relative was skeptical. Shecalled her son and then, after confirming the whole thing had been a fake, the police. Still, the incident was unsettling enough to prompt Ms. Wu’s family to discuss how to best protect their loved ones from the seemingly endless list of scams targeting seniors by text, phone and online.

It’s been a challenge. “It’s hard to give them all of the different scenarios of what to look out for,” said the 42-year-old Ms. Wu, who lives in Calgary. With her own parents, who are both in their late 70s, she’s tried to address the broad spectrum of disinformationonline, including fake news, hoaxes and outright fraud.

“I can see them starting to get overwhelmed, and I don’t want to scare them altogether.”

The challenge of helping older loved ones navigate the online world safely can become a significant source of stress and anxiety − on all sides. For older generations, who often don’t have the same level of experience with newtechnologies, being lectured by younger relatives or adult children may feel, at best, patronizing, and at worst, controlling. For younger generations, providing that support to older relatives can be a daunting – oftentimes thankless – task.

But with the variety and sophistication of scams and hoaxes increasing, so too is the urgency to have such conversations.

Fraud is the No. 1 type of crime committed against seniors in this country. Last year alone, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received more than 21,000 reports of online fraud, totalling more than $470-million in losses. About 27 per cent of that dollar figure came from victims older than 60.

Because of this, Vanessa Iafolla, an anti-fraud consultant in Halifax, encourages families to have open and direct discussions with older relatives about their online activities.

“You have to try to step out of that parent-child relationship, not because you don’t respect your parents as your parents,” she said, “but because you need to see your parents as people who are susceptible to scams, like every other human being on the planet.”

Through these conversations with her parents, Ms. Wu said she’s seen her relationship with them slowly morph.

“It’s been a transition for us, changing from that parent-child dynamic,” she said. “They still have authority of their own life. But we just have more knowledge in this field.”

In the case of Jade, a 38-year-old Vancouver woman, that transition with her own mother has notgone smoothly. (The Globe is only using her first name to protect the privacy of her mother.)

Jade said her mother regularly parrots YouTube conspiracy theories and sharesblatantly fake and AI-generated headlines online. (Many studies have shown that older adults are especially susceptible to fake news online. One study after the 2016 U.S. election, for instance, found that during the campaign, Facebook users older than 65 were seven times more likely to share links to fake news sites.)

Trying to address the issue has led to conflict.

“It takes a lot of energy to figure out how to have these conversations, and there’s a lot of emotional stress on both sides. She feels like she’s being attacked, or that I’m telling her she’s dumb,” she said.

At some point, parents “change from becoming the authority figures in our lives, to us becoming authority figures,” she added.“And they both want that and resent it.”

Even when the older cohorts know they need assistance,asking for help can be a challenge.

Elvira Virelli, a retired teacher in her 60s, used to rely heavily on a tech-savvy younger couple who lived next door for online help. But they recently moved. “That was a big loss,” she said.

She navigates the online world increasingly nervously, ever-aware of the many scams. It’s why she avoids banking or shopping online.

Janice Towler, who also lives in Toronto, said she considers herself reasonably tech-savvy – at least for an 83-year-old. She usesan iPad to surf the web and do her online banking, and a black, bedazzled iPhone to e-mail and chat with friends.

Still, she relies on her son more than she’d like. “I don’t like to bother him,” Ms. Towler said. He’s always willing to help, but he doesn’t always have the time to walk her through things slowly.

She said she understands why some of her peers struggle with accepting help. “It’s hard to understand some of the technology. It’s just so new. They’ve felt in control, and now they’re at a disadvantage. So there’s probably some embarrassment too.”

Ms. Iafolla – who works with families who have been victimized by cyberfraud – acknowledged these conversationscan be difficult. But, she said, they’reeasier than having to pick up the pieces after a scam.

When explaining risks to older adults, “be on their team, and be on their side,” she said, adding that families should treat elderly loved ones with the same respect and curiosity they would give a friend or colleague.

Instead of going through the exhaustive list of hoaxes out there, it’s more helpful to focus on the traits most commonly used by scammers, she said. “Ask questions like, what knowledge do I have about this person? Is this person engaged in some kind of pressure tactic? Is this too good to be true?’”

Another potential solution isto bring in a neutral third-party.

At Cyber-Seniors, high-school students act as volunteer mentors, helping older members of the community navigate the online world.

“It’s a lot easier to have patience with someone you don’t really know,” said Macaulee Cassaday, the non-profit’s program manager.

And at a west Toronto condo tower earlier this month, a group of about a dozen seniors gathered for a technology workshop run by Janice Greenberg, a 71-year-old volunteer instructor with Connected Canadians, acharity with a similar mission.

Through Connected Canadians, Ms. Greenberg gives workshops to seniors on everything from ordering groceries online to recognizing phishing attempts.

“One advantage I have is that I’m sort of close to their age, so there’s a little bit of a connection,” she said.

For instance, when teaching about fake news, she’ll use the analogy of newspapers versustabloids at the grocery store checkout.

Among the participants at Ms. Greenberg’s workshop were Ms. Virelli and Ms. Towler. But it’s not just the older generations who have something to learn about the online world, Ms. Virelli said.She pointed to the way many younger people are glued to their phones.

“Younger people might have a certain dependence that older people might not have,” she said. “It’s not all positive one way and all negative the other.”

AI for Seniors – 5 Powerful Ways Older Michigan Adults Are Winning with Smart Tech

Older adults are increasingly using AI tools like voice assistants and chatbots to enhance daily living. Classes teach them about these technologies, fostering independence and connection, but caution is needed regarding misinformation and scams.

by Michael Hardy

Older adults today are exploring a host of AI-powered tools that can make daily life easier, from voice assistants to chatbots. Across the country, “scores of [classes] have sprung up” to teach seniors about AI. In one Illinois class, a retired professor called AI “probably the greatest technical revolution that I will see in my lifetime,” as she learned about ChatGPT and other tools. Programs like Michigan’s GetSetUp have made AI for seniors training easy and accessible across Michigan.

AI Devices Can Control Household

Voice-activated assistants – like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, or Google Home – let users control gadgets and get information hands-free. These devices can answer questions, play music, set timers, and even control smart lights or thermostats by voice. For example, a Google Home speaker can dim lights or play a favorite song when asked.

Research shows many older adults find these assistants easy to use: one study found seniors’ “first response to a voice assistant was positive, thanks to the simplicity of a speech-based interaction.” Voice assistants have also been studied as tools for aging in place. In one program, seniors reported that Alexa gave them a sense of companionship and security, and its reminders helped with daily tasks. In a 12?week exercise program, all 15 participants (ages 60–89) completed workouts guided by an Alexa device, reporting the system was “user-friendly, convenient…and enjoyable.”

Generative AI chat tools are another new frontier. ChatGPT and similar programs can draft emails, answer questions, or write stories. Some tech centers now offer free classes just for seniors. For example, AARP’s Senior Planet runs online workshops to “make the most out of ChatGPT and other AI software.” A Michigan public library hosted a class promising “practical benefits” of ChatGPT, such as generating personalized text in seconds. After attending such courses, seniors have started experimenting with AI at home. One 89-year-old told the AP that she “eventually queried ChatGPT about how to treat a personal medical ailment” after a workshop. (Experts caution that AI health advice should be checked carefully.)

Smart health and safety devices are growing more advanced too. Wearable monitors and apps can track heart rate, steps, and sleep. Studies show simple fitness trackers are easy for many seniors to use and can boost activity levels. More sophisticated devices like the Apple Watch include automated fall detection: if a hard fall is sensed, the watch can call emergency services.

Researchers note that wearables “could help monitor falls, alert caregivers…and predict falls.” Many older adults welcome these tools: studies find seniors generally want to stay independent and are “willing to accept new technologies that support their independence”. In practice, 80% of people over 65 wear a personal emergency alert device at some point, though some hesitate to use it.

Medication reminders and apps also help. A recent trial found that using an easy drug-management app “can improve drug adherence, reduce adverse events and pave the way for better disease management” among seniors taking many prescriptions. Simple voice features in smart assistants can set pill alarms too.

Getting Started: Free Classes and Community Help

Seniors curious about AI don’t have to dive in alone. There are many no-cost or low-cost resources and classes. AARP’s Senior Planet program offers free online tech classes nationwide, from basic internet skills to AI topics. GetSetUp, an online learning platform for older adults, partners with Michigan to provide thousands of free peer-led classes. Michigan’s health department reports that nearly 268,000 seniors took GetSetUp classes, on topics from fitness to “how to use popular software programs and apps.” One state health official said making GetSetUp “available for all residents at no cost…helps them live happy, healthy and engaged lives.”

Local libraries and senior centers often host workshops on technology. For example, a library in Trenton, MI, advertised a “Practical, User-Friendly AI Class for Older Adults,” promising to explore “the practical benefits of using…ChatGPT” for writing letters or solving problems. Nonprofits like Cyber-Seniors connect seniors with tech-savvy student volunteers. Cyber-Seniors offers free phone and video help and webinars on everything from online browsing to health apps.

Benefits and Cautions: What Experts Say

Experts say AI offers real benefits for older adults but comes with risks. On the upside, AI tools can boost safety and social connection. Voice assistants can remind users of appointments or bridge distances by calling family on command. Chatbots can help with writing or answer questions when family isn’t around. “This technology offers new possibilities for people with sensory, physical, and cognitive challenges,” note researchers at the University of Maryland, because voice control can overcome barriers like small buttons or poor eyesight. Seniors have reported using voice assistants to look up health information, check the weather, or stream music, and they appreciate the “efficiency and convenience” of speaking rather than typing.

However, specialists warn seniors to stay vigilant. Studies show older adults trust AI-generated information less than younger people. A University of Michigan poll found that about 74% of adults over 50 would have little or no trust in health information if AI generated it.  Nearly a quarter of seniors admitted they lack confidence in spotting false health information online. Experts emphasize that seniors should double-check AI advice, especially on important topics like finance or medicine. “Helping older adults better understand AI-generated information…may help address these concerns,” recommended a recent study.

Security A Concern For Seniors

Security is another concern: scams and deepfakes powered by AI have targeted the elderly. One analysis warned seniors may be more susceptible to fraud and online misinformation fueled by artificial intelligence. To balance benefits and risks, trainers advise a healthy skepticism. As one instructor told an AP reporter, “Overall, the suspicion on the part of seniors is good – but I don’t want them to become paralyzed from their fears.” In other words, seniors should learn to use AI tools and enjoy their help, while remaining cautious.

“By gaining skills with these technologies, older adults can open new doors,” says Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian of Michigan’s health department. Programs like GetSetUp have given hundreds of residents “valuable resources to combat social isolation and access new knowledge, significantly improving their quality of life.” With user-friendly tools, supportive classes, and a bit of guidance, tech-curious seniors can leverage AI to stay connected, informed, and safe.

Click, Connect, Thrive: The Cyber-Seniors Revolution – Macaulee Cassaday

In this powerful and heartwarming episode of Life. Reimagined., host Stacey sits down with Macaulee Cassaday.

Macaulee is the inspiring co-founder and current Program Director of Cyber-Seniors, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide for older adults through intergenerational mentorship and tech training. Macaulee shares the origin story of Cyber-Seniors, from a high school volunteer project inspired by her grandparents to an internationally recognized movement fueled by empathy, innovation, and youth leadership. She candidly reflects on her personal journey—including her and her grandfather’s shared battle with cancer—and how technology became a lifeline for connection and healing. Listeners will hear powerful stories of transformation: from the seniors who learned to connect with loved ones across the globe, to the young mentors who gained unexpected wisdom from their elders. The conversation also covers the evolving role of tech in healthcare, the risks of online scams, and why continued learning and curiosity are essential at any age.