MIAMI, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At this time, the nationwide nonprofit Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP releases the Growing older Linked 2025 report, quantifying the dimensions and diploma of digital isolation amongst Individuals aged 65 and older. This announcement comes firstly of Digital Inclusion Week (10/6 – 10/10), an annual nationwide occasion devoted to elevating consciousness concerning the significance of digital abilities and connectivity in our more and more digital world. The report gives a radical evaluation of recent information from the American Group Survey (ACS), carried out yearly by the U.S. Census Bureau, and divulges substantial gaps in wireline connectivity between older adults aged 65+ and other people aged 18-64.
The examine, which is a observe as much as the primary Growing older Linked report launched in 2020, gives key information and insights on older adults’ entry to the web and digital instruments, in addition to the intersections of earnings, geography, schooling and different demographics because it pertains to the connectivity age hole. This subsequent analysis is more and more essential as Individuals rely upon entry to digital companies for all sides of every day life—from healthcare and authorities companies to fundamental human connection. Topline findings embody:
- The hole is closing, nevertheless it has not closed. The variety of older adults who lack wireline broadband entry at dwelling has fallen from 22 million in 2018 (42 %) to 19 million (32 %) in 2023.
- Pc possession continues to climb. Older adults have seen modest will increase in possession of large-screen computer systems (desktops and laptops), from 70 % in 2018 to 73 % in 2023, with a barely bigger enhance from 60 % to 67 % for these over age 75.
- Geography issues. Low-income older adults in southern states have the bottom wireline adoption charges and represent the inhabitants at best threat of being disconnected from very important digital companies.
- Mobile connectivity is gaining floor. Mobile connectivity elevated by 17 % amongst older adults between 2018 and 2023, offering protection to 7 million further older adults.
“As Digital Inclusion Week begins, it’s essential to acknowledge that reasonably priced connectivity is crucial for contemporary life, and to make clear the digital divide that persists amongst older adults,” mentioned Tom Kamber, Govt Director of OATS from AARP. “OATS works to equip older adults with the instruments and coaching to counterpoint their lives with expertise, and we hope that this analysis will function a name to motion for organizations throughout America to prioritize connectivity for disconnected older adults.”
The examine not solely highlights crucial gaps in entry; it additionally presents case research, suggestions, and actionable options with a aim of building full connectivity for each older American by 2030. With 32 % of older Individuals nonetheless missing wireline broadband entry at dwelling, there’s work to be performed—however progress is feasible. With confirmed options and rising momentum, connecting each older American by 2030 isn’t just a aim, it’s an achievable future.
For extra details about findings, insights and implications or to view the total Growing older Linked 2025 report go to www.oats.org/agingconnected2025.
About OATS from AARP
Older Adults Expertise Providers (OATS) from AARP helps older adults be taught to make use of and leverage expertise to rework their lives and their communities. Via its flagship program, Senior Planet, OATS works intently with older adults to create extraordinary experiences in-person and on-line. The mission of OATS is “to harness the ability of expertise to alter the best way we age.” OATS is a charitable affiliate of AARP. To be taught extra, go to www.oats.org or observe @OlderAdultsTech on social media.
Media Contact:
DeAnna Varilias (Litzky PR, on behalf of OATS from AARP)
dvarilias@litzkypr.com
