Bridging the Technology Gap for Older Adults

Technology has so much potential to help elders who live alone, away from family and friends, to stay connected and feel less isolated. Unfortunately, older adults in many living situations don’t have access to broadband internet or the resources and training that could help them use technology to maintain their social lives or access services and information.

The Lighthouse for Older Adults Approach

To respond to the needs of older adults in affordable housing and other settings, the Lighthouse for Older Adults project was developed as a partnership among the Front Porch Center for Innovation and Wellbeing, Eskaton, and the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) Health.

The Lighthouse approach pairs broadband access with the skills and support needed for older adults to take advantage of broadband access in ways that improve their health, social connections, and overall well-being.

As key components of the Lighthouse approach, training opportunities and support are embedded in one-on-one and group social interactions, to reduce barriers and encourage participation by residents who may otherwise feel intimidated by learning new skills and using unfamiliar technology.

A new, step-by-step guide is available to help affordable housing leaders plan and implement programs within affordable housing communities. Based on findings from pilot projects to implement Lighthouse for Older Adults in several California communities, the guide shares lessons learned through tips, checklists, customizable sample materials, and other resources.

Click here for a copy of the Lighthouse for Older Adults guide. We welcome your feedback.