Santa Clara County Takes Steps to Connect Older Adults to Technology

Leaders in Santa Clara County, Calif., have moved forward on an action plan to connect older adults to technology, amid growing concerns about social isolation's effect in conjunction with the online transition of senior services, reports San Jose Spotlight News . A study presented to the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors recommended a three-year Age Friendly Action Plan whose highlights include incorporating low-income adults into all countywide digital inclusion projects, and cultivating alliances with private organizations to help provide resources. "As the county continues with shelter-in-place orders and transitions into a new normal, known connectivity inequities in Santa Clara County are reinforced," the study noted. "This has opened opportunities for correcting these inequities at a time where Internet connectivity is a lifeline to many families, children, and youth and older adults." The plan recommends establishing a Digital Inclusion Workgroup through Santa Clara's Seniors' Agenda, which worked to make the county the first in the United States to attain age-friendly designation for its cities by the World Health Organization. Also urged is a partnership with an organization that can recycle county staff computers, tablets, and smartphones for use by low-income seniors. "This is good policy, and it makes good sense, particularly at this time, to do everything we can to connect our older adults," said Cupertino Councilmember Rod Sinks.