Improving Digital Literacy for All Ages

September 5, 2024

AT&T Connects

In today’s world, technology is everywhere. Whether you’re scheduling a health check-up, managing your money, booking your next adventure, working, studying, or just keeping in touch with family and friends, chances are you’re doing it online. That’s why being tech-savvy is important for everyone. AT&T is committed to fostering digital inclusivity as part of our investment of $5 billion since 2021 to bridge the digital divide. Initially targeting K-12 students, the initiative now extends to older adults.

The digital divide is stark among older communities, making them vulnerable to cyber risks. In 2023, the FBI reported losses exceeding $12.5 billion from internet crimes, with $3.4 billion from people over 60. Enhancing digital literacy for older adults is crucial for their safety and security online.

AT&T’s Connected Learning resources, including the Digital Navigators program and Connected Learning Centers (CLCs), are helping older adults improve their digital literacy so they can get the most out of their internet experiences. In fact, at a CLC in Los Angeles, seniors are using our resources to apply for jobs, and even work toward U.S. citizenship.

We’re committed to doing more. That’s why we are teaming up with four nationally recognized nonprofit organizations that serve older adults. Through these partnerships, we aim to reach even more seniors and give them the digital tools they need to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.

Cyber Seniors empowers teenagers to mentor older adults, and through its partnership with AT&T, it’s aiming to reach 5,000 participants leveraging our digital literacy resources to achieve this ambitious target. Cyber Seniors’ webinars cover basics like website navigation, email usage, and online searching.

National Council on Aging (NCOA) aims to connect with 100,000 older adults — 10,000 through AT&T’s programs, — offering a variety of programming, including self-paced modules and one-on-one sessions. NCOA is also committed to enhancing infrastructure of senior centers by providing resources for the purchase or upgrade of tech equipment.

National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) will target 2,500 Hispanic seniors, integrating AT&T’s digital literacy resources into its Caring for the Caregiver programming, covering cybersecurity, video conferencing, and email basics, tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges faced by the Hispanic senior community.

Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP has unveiled through its flagship program Senior Planet, an ambitious plan to serve 10,000 older adults, facilitating 115,000 engagements. Their approach ensures resources are accessible through their dedicated Contact Center, dynamic virtual and in-person classes, and Senior Planet website.

By leveraging AT&T’s resources, these initiatives aim to bring older adults into the digital age, fostering independence, social connectivity, and resilience.

Whether you’re looking to boost your own skills or help someone else, I invite you to explore AT&T’s online resources. You can also support the nonprofits working with older adults to keep everyone connected, informed, and safe online.