Report: Seniors Hit Hard by the Digital Divide

A report commissioned by Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and the Humana Foundation says nearly 22 million older Americans lack wireline broadband access at home, accounting for 42 percent of those older than 65, according to Telecompetitor . Most of what is available is managed by telecom firms and nonprofits, with little or no direct public-sector backing — although public-private alliances have proven effective. OATS and the Humana Foundation have undertaken a joint campaign, "Aging Connected," with four primary goals: to "publicize and clearly articulate the value of broadband to seniors;" prioritize social equity and inclusion; broaden access to low-cost offers, and "develop content, communities, and experience for older adults to increase utilization of broadband services." The report cites "disturbing correlations between digital disengagement and race, disability, health status, educational attainment, immigration, rural residence, and income." The authors further noted that over 80 percent of deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic are older Americans, and 40 percent of them could not access necessary resources from home. Moreover, digital inclusion efforts are marked by wide inconsistency, and large segments of the country lack low-cost and senior-friendly initiatives.