Older Adults Jumping Online with Support from Senior Planet from AARP

The COVID-19 pandemic has displayed how vital it is for older adults to be connected to the digital world. Many older adults all over the United States are already embracing online resources to stay connected with friends and family, get exercise and find less expensive shopping options.

The nonprofit organization Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP supports thousands of older adults’ transition online through its flagship program Senior Planet. With more than 350,000 online engagements from older adults since the start of the pandemic, Senior Planet’s award-winning courses for older adults include relevant topics like smart homes, the Google suite, Spotify, Zoom, and many other technological programs and devices free of charge.

Others have taken interest in this effort to serve local seniors and are jumping on board to provide programming to older adults living in the area through Senior Planet’s new licensing program. From Newton, Pennsylvania, to Pueblo County, Colorado, to Del Norte County, California, these communities have taken the first step to bring in-person Senior Planet programming to their communities.

The Senior Planet licensing program offers community-based organizations:

• A license for enrolled organizations
• Access to a suite of Senior Planet’s world-class curriculum
• Trainer coaching, support, and ongoing professional development
• Tools and special guidance for program administrators
• Technology guidance and recommendations for delivering programming
• Access to a digital program support center
• Ongoing communication around tech news, profiles of other participating organizations, and new program offerings
• Program participants receive one free year of being a Senior Planet Supporter (exclusive events and benefits!)

If you’re a part of a community-based organization that works with older adults and you’re interested in learning more about the program, Senior Planet is now offering informational sessions to learn more about joining a pilot program for 2022 - 2023.

The informational sessions will be available on the following dates. Please register soon because there is limited capacity for participating in the pilot program! Visit www.oats.org/licensing, call (718) 360-1707 or email licensing@seniorplanet.org to sign up.

Wednesday, November 17, 2021 from 1 P.M. - 2 P.M. CT

Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 12 P.M. – 1 P.M. CT

Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 12 P.M. - 1 P.M. CT

If you’re an older adult looking to enhance your life and utilize online resources available to you, please reach out to a community-based organization near you, and encourage them to sign up for one of the informational sessions. You can also join any of our free classes on SeniorPlanet.org -we think you’ll get hooked! Senior Planet courses are an excellent opportunity for you to learn about trendy online programs, make new friends and even stay in shape.