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Stephanie Drag, MA, LAC, CPS, Associate Vice President, Prevention

Rosemary Marchetto, Prevention Specialist

Donny Bellamy, Prevention Specialist

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The Digital Divide

  • Device Ownership: 18% in 2013 to 83% (age 50–64) and 61% (age 65+) in 2021
  • Broadband Access: 64% of those ages 65 and older, compared with 86% of those 30 to 49 and 79% of those 50 to 64.
  • Less likely to integrate internet use into everyday activities
  • Some older adults find it easier to use tablets than cellphones or laptops

1. Faverio M. Share of Those 65 and Older Who are Tech Users Has Grown in the Past Decade. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/01/13/share-of-those-65-and-older-who-are-tech-users-has-grown-in-the-past-decade/. Accessibility verified February 3, 2022. 

2. Quan-Haase A., Williams C., Kicevski M., Elueze I., Wellman B. (2018). Dividing the grey divide: Deconstructing myths about older adults online activities, skills, and attitudes. Am. Behav. Sci. 62 1207–1228. 

3. Chan M., Haber S., Drew L., Park D. (2016). Training older adults to use tablet computers: Does it enhance cognitive function? Gerontologist 56 475–484. 10.1093/geront/gnu057 

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The Approach

Eight free online programs a month

Virtual Progams

Tablet lending program and curriculum

Tablet Education

Advocate for similar programs and work with communities to implement them

Advocacy

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Who has participated?

  • Tablet Lending: 60
  • Online Programs: 125*
  • Towns for Technical Assistance: 3

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79%

89%

Likely

participants demonstrate increased confidence in his/her digital technology skills

participants demonstrate an increase in knowledge about how to use a tablet

Average liklihood of continued tablet use

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CHALLENGES

SOLUTIONS

Access to the technology

Language

“Too old” to learn

Frustration

Prefer in person program

Lack of human interaction

Bad experiences

Government tablet with no instruction

Lack of interest

Facilitator traits: patient, calm, and understanding

Validation of experiences & feelings

Positive reinforcement

Stating benefits

Combat isolation

Access resources in your community

Let’s learn 3 things

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THANKS!

Do you have any questions?

Contact:

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Rosemary Marchetto

201-740-7148

rmarchetto@ cafsnj.org

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Donny Bellamy

201-740-7011

dbellamy@cafsnj.org

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www.tcadr.org/celebratingseniors

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