Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Older Adults with Technology

On December 19, CBS KCAL Mornings featured the County of Los Angeles Internal Services Department’s (ISD) Delete the Divide initiative, highlighting its critical role in bridging the technology gap for underserved communities, particularly older adults.

This initiative also serves as a key partner to the Aging & Disabilities Department (AD), supporting its Building a Better Connection for Older Adults (BBCOA) program by enhancing digital literacy and fostering greater social connections among older adults and individuals with disabilities.

The BBCOA program offers 8-week training courses at five Community & Senior Centers, where Delete the Divide instructors teach participants how to use technology to stay connected with family, access healthcare, and engage with the digital world. Upon completing the course, participants receive a free Apple iPad and a two-year high-speed data plan, ensuring they remain connected long after their training ends.

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), BBCOA was launched with the goal of addressing the social isolation and digital divide that became especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2024, 26 cohorts of the 8-week training were completed, with 234 iPads and two-year data plans distributed to older adults, significantly reducing isolation and improving access and connectivity to essential services.

A key takeaway from the KCAL segment was the emphasis on the personal connections forged through this program. As one instructor shared, “We want to make sure that their lives still have purpose and they solve access within the digital age. Access looks like providing them with the tools they need to thrive in this new social landscape.” For many older adults, the iPads represent more than just a device—they are a gateway to digital opportunity and social connection.

The Delete the Divide initiative plays a vital role in AD’s efforts, providing support through digital assistants at local senior centers and County libraries. These interns and instructors help older adults navigate everything from basic tasks, such as creating documents, to more complex technology needs.

The Aging & Disabilities department is continuously seeking opportunities to connect older adults with the education and devices they need to stay digitally engaged. In 2024, AD, in partnership with the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), also launched the Access to Technology (ATT) program. From April 15 to August 30, the ATT program distributed 3,365 tablets, each with a two-year 5G data plan, and provided digital literacy training to 2,255 participants, further expanding opportunities for older adults and individuals with disabilities to thrive in the digital age. Participants in this program included 830 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) clients and 535 homebound individuals.

The Building a Better Connection for Older Adults program continues to be a transformative initiative in Los Angeles County, empowering seniors with the tools and knowledge they need to stay engaged, connected, and empowered. AD’s goal remains clear: to ensure that older adults can fully participate in the digital world, reduce isolation, and enhance their quality of life.

For more information on these programs, or to get involved, contact your local community center.