Program Seeks to Shrink Digital Divide Facing Older People

The "Connecting Seniors" program is providing electronic tablets, digital training, and technology-enabled healthcare services to low-income senior citizens in southeastern Michigan, reports the Grand Rapids Business Journal . The project is a joint effort between the city of Detroit, local businesses, and nonprofits, underwritten by the Connect 313 Fund and a $3.9 million grant from the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities Rapid Response Initiative. Participants include the Rocket Mortgage Classic golf event, Rocket Companies, Microsoft, and the United Way of Southeastern Michigan. "The disparity in digital equity is a systemic, generational issue that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic," said Connect 313 chief advocate Joshua Edmonds. "We've already made great strides in connecting students to critical technology resources, but we must not lose focus on our seniors who are facing economic hardship and persistent technology adoption challenges that make telehealth a distant reality." Rocket Companies CEO Jay Farner added that the pandemic highlights the need for creative solutions in bridging the digital divide, and Connecting Seniors "provides an impactful solution for our seniors to access the healthcare they need."