Four recent technology announcements that benefit older adults

AARP announced the launch of its AARP TEK Academy.  “This is a free, easy-to-use online classroom designed to help 50-plus Americans get the most out of technology to connect with family and friends, explore employment opportunities, access health information, enjoy entertainment and more. Located at AARPTEK.org, the site can be accessed from a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktops and offers dozens of tutorials on a range of helpful topics, from social media to staying safe online. AARP TEK (which stands for Technology Education and Knowledge) launched last year offering hands-on workshops in select cities to empower the 50-plus audience to use technology to live their best lives. The TEK Academy is the latest offering as part of this program.”  Learn more at AARP TEK.

Comcast extends Internet Essentials in San Francisco. “Comcast has expanded its pilot low-cost ($10/month) broadband service (originally offered for students) to serve seniors to the San Francisco area, the company said Wednesday. The pilot – building on an earlier one in Palm Beach County Florida on Aug. 4 – is part of its Internet Essentials package. Comcast is working with the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services, the City’s SF Connected Senior’s Digital Literacy Training Collaborative, Self-Help for the Elderly, Community Technology Network, and the Community Living Campaign on the program.” Learn more at Comcast.

ConnectHome offered to serve those with low incomes. “For low income seniors in public housing, “ConnectHome was launched in July, a collaboration between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and a coalition of public-housing authorities, businesses, nonprofits, and Internet service providers like Google Fiber and Sprint, represents the government’s most ambitious attempt yet to bridge the digital divide between those with high-speed Internet access and those who can’t afford it in an era of tight budget constraints.”  Learn more at ConnectHome.

OATS launches program to increase broadband technology adoption.  In July, “OATS, Older Adult Technology Services, a non-profit that seeks to “change the way we age” by engaging older adults with free access to digital technology and training, has launched a multi-partner initiative to improve broadband adoption among New York seniors living in the state’s sprawling North Country region.  “This transformative initiative will connect thousands of seniors to life-changing technologies.” In partnership with the New York State Broadband Program Office, the Macquarie Group Foundation, and the CEA Foundation, OATS will build a ‘broadband adoption ecosystem’ to support the region’s residents who are aged 60 and older.” Learn more at Oats.org.