Technology

Sherlyn Freeman could never be sure her dad would remember to turn off the lights before bed or that he wouldn’t stumble in the dark trying to reach them in the middle of the night. At 80, he exhausted himself just getting downstairs to answer the doorbell.

Missouri is in the last leg of a major push by the government, private companies and nonprofits, including AARP, to extend high-speed internet access to every state resident. Missouri has allocated $261 million of its American Rescue Plan Act funding for broadband efforts. And, last year, the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program awarded the state an additional $1.7 billion — the biggest public investment of its kind in Missouri to date.

If you’re like many Americans, the arrival of a package at your doorstep is a common occurrence. In the age of digital shopping, it has become harder than ever to keep track of what is coming when and from whom. This new reality has led directly to the rise of the digital package delivery scam.

Ray Sullivan, 72, of Charlotte, acknowledges he’s always been a few steps behind when it comes to technology. He was still using his 1993 flip phone until a few years ago, when his daughter’s nudging persuaded him to switch. Now, with the help of AARP North Carolina, Sullivan is conquering his next tech challenge: using a computer.

With a digital opportunity plan approved, Texas is unlocking federal funding to expand high-speed internet access throughout the state.

AARP Wyoming Educational Series Unveils the Future

Georgia's newly approved digital connectivity plan promises affordable, high-speed internet for all, tackling infrastructure gaps and affordability issues. AARP Georgia supports this vital initiative, emphasizing its importance for older adults and urging continued federal support for affordable internet access.

Does your community group need a guest speaker? AARP Utah offers fun and educational presentations for free! Skilled AARP volunteers can deliver presentations on a variety of topics for online or in-person workshops.

AARP Wyoming and Senior Planet, the flagship program of Older Adult Services (OATS) will host a series of online technology courses this summer. The classes move at a moderate pace so anyone can follow along, says Senior Planet trainer Johnny Hernandez.

Germaine St. John, 89, recalls “feeling pretty sorry for myself” in March 2020 as COVID-19 shutdowns took effect and isolation set in.