Closing the Digital Gap for Older Adults

“The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown into stark relief two already disturbing trends from the last couple of decades. First, as the population ages, many older adults find themselves socially isolated, often with life-threatening consequences. Second, older adults have lagged behind the rest of the population in having the means and ability to access the internet. The convergence of these two issues, each bad enough pre-pandemic, has created a situation where many older adults who comply with the shelter-in-place orders may find themselves completely shut off from the rest of the world.” (excerpt from Susan Nash’s article, Pandemic has Accelerated the Need to Close the Digital Divide for Older Adults)

Bridging the digital divide is no longer a luxury. It is essential!

Technology has become an increasingly important tool for older adults and people with disabilities to stay connected to each other and to the goods, services, and supports they need to stay healthy and thrive. Through technology, they can check in with family and friends, share their knowledge and volunteer, stay in touch with their health care providers, find healthy foods, perform meaningful work, and learn new skills – all from a safe distance.

Please join Maryland Philanthropy Network’s Affinity on Aging to hear from these distinguished experts:

• Adam Echelman, Executive Director, Libraries Without Borders US
• Thomas Kamber, Executive Director, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS)
• Shivali Haribhakti, Regional Director, Senior Planet Montgomery, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS)

Learn ways we can work together and advocate to bridge the “digital divide” and ensure everyone has access to affordable high-speed internet, devices and skills to navigate online safely, and meaningful content and tools to meet their needs.

For Maryland Philanthropy Network members and invited guests only.

Click here to view the speakers' biographies.