Overview
Launched in 2024, Senior Planet is the flagship program of the national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP. The mission of the organization is to help older adults learn and use technology so they could live better in the digital age.
In 2021, Senior Planet OATS became a charitable affiliate of AARP, which enabled Senior Planet to scale further and reach more older adults across geographies and socioeconomic backgrounds. In March 2013, the first technology-focused OATS community center opened in Manhattan. It now has operations both online and at physical centers in several U.S. cities (including New York City; Plattsburgh, NY; Denver, CO; Miami, FL; plus partner sites in Maryland and Texas).
OATS programs focus on five impact areas:
- financial security
- social engagement
- creative expression
- health & wellness
- civic participation.
In addition to learning opportunities, Senior Planet offers the “Senior Planet Community,” an online, ad-free social platform created specifically for older adults to connect, join interest groups, share experiences and build friendships.
Background
The initiative was developed to fill gaps in digital literacy, social engagement and lifelong learning for older adults in a changing technological and social environment.
Funders
- AARP
- American Express
- Avanade
- Bank of America
- Carlyle Group
- Chase Sapphire
- Comcast NBC Universal
- CVS Health
- JPMorgan Chase
- Microsoft
- Tracfone (a Verizon Value Brand)
- Verizon Media
Partners
- AARP
- Community-based organizations across the country: libraries and state department of labor and employment agencies to extend access.
Resources
Senior Planet. (n.d.). About Senior Planet. https://seniorplanet.org/about
Senior Planet. (n.d.). Locations – Technology classes – Senior Planet from AARP. https://seniorplanet.org/locations/
Senior Planet. (n.d.). Online classes for seniors. https://seniorplanet.org/classes/
Older Adults Technology Services. (n.d.). Senior Planet Community.
Senior Planet. (n.d.). Virtual fitness and wellness events. https://seniorplanet.org/virtual-fitness-wellness-events/
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