A new statewide initiative will expand opportunities for older adults to build digital confidence, explore technology, and stay connected to the world around them.
Technology touches nearly every part of daily life.
From connecting with family and friends to managing healthcare, accessing public services, avoiding online scams, and exploring new interests, digital skills are increasingly important to independence and participation in community life.
Yet many older adults continue to face barriers to technology, whether it’s access to devices, reliable internet, affordable training, or simply the confidence to get started.
The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) is excited to announce an important step toward addressing those barriers: a new statewide license for Senior Planet programming, creating opportunities to bring accessible, engaging technology education to older adults through local Councils on Aging and senior centers.
Technology Education Designed for Older Adults
Senior Planet, a program of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, offers technology education specifically designed for older learners.
Its programs encourage participants to explore new skills at their own pace, ask questions, and discover how technology can support their everyday lives.
Topics range from smartphone and computer basics to online safety, digital communication, health and wellness technology, financial tools, and much more.
The focus is not simply on learning how to use technology. It’s about helping older adults use those skills to pursue their interests, maintain independence, and stay connected.
Starting Small. Building Thoughtfully.
MCOA’s statewide initiative will begin with local pilot programming, including an initial effort in Barnstable, followed by instructor training and a phased expansion during 2027.
Our approach recognizes that communities have different resources, needs, and levels of readiness.
By working closely with local Councils on Aging, municipal partners, trained instructors, and volunteers, MCOA is building a flexible model that can grow across the Commonwealth.
The initiative will support a combination of staff and volunteer instructors, creating opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds to share their skills and support older learners.
And volunteers don’t need to be technology experts. With training, enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to help others learn, they can make a meaningful difference.
Building Partnerships Across Generations
One of the most exciting opportunities is the potential to engage community volunteers in digital literacy education.
College students, younger retirees, civic organizations, libraries, community groups, and other local partners can play a role in bringing technology learning opportunities to more older adults.
These partnerships create benefits that extend beyond the classroom, encouraging intergenerational connections, volunteer engagement, and stronger community relationships.
Strengthening the Role of Councils on Aging
For older adults, accessible digital education can mean greater confidence, stronger social connections, and more independence.
For municipalities, this initiative presents an opportunity to expand lifelong learning and digital inclusion through trusted local organizations already serving older residents.
And for Councils on Aging, it reinforces their growing role as community hubs where people can learn new skills, explore emerging technologies, and receive support in a rapidly changing digital world.
As MCOA prepares for broader implementation, we look forward to collaborating with municipal leaders, community partners, volunteers, and Councils on Aging across Massachusetts.
Our goal is simple: help more older adults feel confident, capable, and connected in an increasingly digital world.
Be Part of What’s Next
Interested in learning more about the Senior Planet initiative, volunteering as an instructor, or exploring opportunities for your community?
Starting locally. Growing statewide. Connecting communities.
Massachusetts Councils on Aging is committed to supporting accessible lifelong learning, digital inclusion, and opportunities that help older adults remain active and connected throughout the Commonwealth.
