With social media among seniors on the rise, Washington's AARP Foundation has teamed up with nonprofit Older Adults Technology Services for their latest tech program. Launched in collaboration with Comcast and social services organization Family Matters, this initiative aims to educate the elderly about technology and social media.
Targeting low-income seniors, this tech program equips its participants with a free iPad and enrolls them in classes that teach them how to interact with technology. From privacy settings to online safety, this effort gets seniors on social media as an effort to connect them with younger generations.
Encouraging seniors to "get in touch with old friends, find information about their interests, and diminish loneliness and isolation.", this program is already a success and is set to launch in other states in the near future.
Elderly-Educating Tech Programs
Non Profit Organizations Urge Seniors to Learn About Social Media
Trend Themes
1. Rising Senior Social Media Usage - Opportunity to develop social media platforms and tools specifically tailored for seniors.
2. Tech Education for Low-income Seniors - Potential market for tech education programs aimed at low-income seniors, creating opportunities in the education and technology sectors.
3. Improving Senior Well-being Through Technology - Innovation possibilities for technologies that target senior loneliness and isolation, enhancing their mental well-being and social connections.
Industry Implications
1. Technology Education - Provides an opportunity for technology education organizations to expand their reach by catering to the specific needs of low-income seniors.
2. Social Media Platforms - Social media platforms can take advantage of the growing senior demographic by creating user-friendly interfaces and features aimed at seniors.
3. Assistive Technology - Assistive technology companies can develop innovative products to address the social and mental well-being needs of seniors, reducing their isolation and loneliness.