Improving the Social Connectedness of Older Adults Living in Rural Areas with Technology

Studies show that nearly half of older Americans face social isolation, and that this number is estimated to be an even higher among older adults living in rural areas. The dangers of social isolation in the aging population are vast with social isolation being linked to a broad range of negative physical and psychological outcomes, from depression to premature death.

Older Adults Technology Services (OATS), based in New York City, is a nonprofit that brings older adults together to learn technology and change their lives. Directing our focus to the often neglected rural sectors of America, we amended our programs to address the diverse needs of older adults living in rural communities, and ways technology can address their needs.

Recent advances in technology can play a transformative role in combatting social isolation among older adults. In rural communities, though, a lack of infrastructure for technology can prevent older adults from getting online to connect to health care, jobs, friends, family and social activities. Fortunately, rural broadband access has been identified on both state and federal levels as a key funding priority, and organizations like OATS are providing training and support to help older adults meet enhanced access with competence and ease.

An example of this is the Senior Planet Exploration Center, located in Plattsburgh, NY. The Center’s 2015 opening kicked off a multi-year effort to develop a series of locally relevant programs that use technology to engage older adults. More than 20 percent of the population over 65 in this area participated in classes, an impressive testament to the growing demand among older adults living in rural areas for technology programs.

Due to funding and staffing concerns, rural programs require more flexibility in program design and delivery. For this reason, OATS developed the "Tech Spot" in another rural location (Malone, NY), understanding that many older adults living in rural areas prefer to explore a variety of different devices and user profiles to see what can best meet their needs.

This blog post was written by Alex Glazebrook, Director of Operations for Older Adults Technology Services (OATS).