Bridging the Gap between Technology and Seniors: OATS’ Senior Planet Platform

digital-scholars
adoption
Author

Arianna Roberts, Digital Scholar (Spring 2025)

Published

February 10, 2025

Older Adults Technology Services (OATS), a nonprofit affiliated with the AARP, provides digital literacy training to senior citizens. Through its premier initiative known as Senior Planet, OATS has designed a platform that assists seniors in comprehending and using technology in various aspects of their daily lives. This case study explores the impact of Senior Planet on digital literacy by focusing on its approach and outreach in transforming how older adults engage with technology.

OATS and Senior Planet

OATS was founded in 2004 with the goal of helping older adults comprehend and harness the power of technology in order to improve their quality of life. In 2021, OATS became part of AARP, helping it to expand its reach and impact.

OATS supports thousands of seniors across the U.S. through a combination of in-person programs and virtual learning opportunities via its Senior Planet centers and web resource. Senior Planet OATS’s signature initiative, offers free digital literacy training, focusing on five core impact areas: financial security, social engagement, creative expression, health and wellness, and civic participation. This leading web resource is accessed by more than 1.5 million users per year.

Expanding Digital Equity: The Senior Planet Initiative

OATS also operates Senior Planet community centers in major cities, including New York and Miami, where older adults can attend technology workshops and social events. With the rise of virtual learning, Senior Planet has adapted and developed an extensive catalog of online courses, allowing seniors to participate in live classes on topics such as online banking and telemedicine. A standout feature of Senior Planet is the Senior Planet Community, a secure, ad-free social platform designed exclusively for individuals aged 60 and older. This initiative enhances digital engagement by offering a safe environment where seniors can connect, exchange knowledge, and support each other online. According to data collected by OATS, 88% of seniors who participated in tech training felt more connected to family and friends.

Five Core Impact Areas

Senior Planet empowers older adults with digital literacy, ensuring they are not left behind as technology continues to evolve. Its efforts span a variety of areas, including:

  1. Financial Security: Digital literacy training enables seniors to manage finances online, access e-commerce platforms, and explore remote work or employment opportunities.
  2. Social Engagement: By teaching seniors how to use video calls, social media, and online forums like the Senior Planet Community, the program creates a community of seniors with similar situations to connect.
  3. Creative Expression: Senior Planet offers courses on digital arts, photography, video editing, and writing courses, allowing seniors to explore and showcase their creativity.
  4. Health and Wellness: Senior Planet offers virtual fitness classes, telemedicine guidance, and access to online health resources to achieve a healthy and engaging lifestyle.
  5. Civic Participation: Senior Planet promotes civic engagement by empowering older adults with digital skills that allow them to stay informed, participate in advocacy, and engage in community efforts. Through digital literacy training, seniors learn how to access reliable news, attend virtual town halls, contact elected officials, and use social media for advocacy.

Takeaways

By offering a platform like Senior Planet, OATS has succeeded in providing digital equity and literacy to many senior adults across the country. By providing accessible and engaging digital education, Senior Planet is empowering older adults to lead more connected, independent, and fulfilling lives. The success of Senior Planet highlights the importance of targeted digital inclusion efforts for a group in need of digital literacy. As technology continues to evolve, initiatives like this will be critical in ensuring that older adults are not left behind. The partnership between OATS and AARP provides a scalable model for other organizations looking to promote digital literacy and inclusion towards underrepresented individuals.

Arianna Roberts is a 2L at New York Law School.