Successfully Engaging Older Adults and 

Adults with Disabilities via Technology: 

Strategies and Best Practices

Administration for Community Living

July 9, 2020
Today’s Webinar

• Highlight programs, best practices, and tips 

for creating communities of learning and 

engagement via technology 

• A ddress marketing/outreach, barriers to 

virtual participation, strategies for holding 

interactive and inclusive conversations, 

and more

2
Presenters

• Ryan Elza , AARP Foundation 

• Steve Ewell, Consumer Technology 

Association (CTA) Foundation 

• Tom Kamber, Older Adults Technology 

Services (OATS) 

• Susan Stiles, National Council on Aging 

(NCOA)

3
MENTAL Health 

Innovation Challenge 

• Opportunity to develop a software platform 

that increases awareness of, access to, 

and use of social engagement technologies 

and programming to help curtail the impact 

of loneliness and social isolation 

• More info at Challenge.gov

4
CTA Foundation © 2020 5

Stephen Ewell 

Executive Director 

CTA Foundation

Types of programs 

addressing social 

isolation
CTA Foundation
Grants
Programs Transitioning

CTA Foundation , © 2020 8
Virtual Senior Center
CareWheels CareBank

CTA Foundation , © 2020 10
Front Porch
Oak Hill

CTA Foundation, © 2020 12
Thank you!

CTA Foundation © 2020

Steve Ewell 

Executive Director 

Consumer Technology Association 

Foundation 

CTAFoundation.tech 

@CTAFoundation / sewell2

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AARP Foundation Connect2Affect

Types of programs 

addressing social 

isolation - Continued! 

July 9, 2020

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AARP Foundation Connect2Affect

Hi, I’m Ryan Elza!

Social Entrepreneur in 

Residence 

at AARP Foundation

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AARP Foundation Connect2Affect

About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older 

adults build economic opportunity and social connectedness.

As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and 

nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, 

innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities and 

restore hope.

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AARP Foundation Connect2Affect

So, What Can Cause Social Isolation?

Social isolation is the result of being disconnected from support groups of 

family, friends and community. Risk factors of isolation include:

Societal/ Community Individual

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AARP Foundation Connect2Affect

Approaches

Actions

● Person centered holistic 

assessment of their isolation 

and technology needs and 

interests 

● Identify barriers impacting 

individuals well - being and 

technology access such as 

home safety, internet access, 

and affordability 

● Raising awareness about the 

importance and opportunity 

for social connection 

Actions 

● Synchronous and 

asynchronous online classes 

and education (OATS, AARP, 

etc.) 

● Self - training (Generations On 

Line) 

● Connecting to low - cost 

internet and technology 

access programs 

(everyoneon.org, 

connecthomeusa.org)

Actions 

● Online opportunities for 

connection and continued 

learning (virtual seniors 

centers, libraries, museums, 

etc.) 

● Adapting program models to 

virtual engagements 

(PEARLS)

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AARP Foundation Connect2Affect

Connect2affect.org

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AARP Foundation Connect2Affect

Connect2affect.org - Risk Assessment

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AARP Foundation Connect2Affect

AARP Foundation 

Connected Communities

● The result of extensive 

research and rigorous 

testing

● Specifically designed for an 

older population

● Available for Amazon Alexa 

and Google Assistant 

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AARP Foundation Connect2Affect

How It Worked

Our train-the-trainer model allows housing providers to implement voiceactivated technology in a sustainable and cost-effective way.

On-site training

for staff and 

volunteers

Facilitator guides

Workshop

presentations

Explainer videos

Course handouts

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Quote 1

AARP Foundation Connect2Affect

“The app makes people feel 

included. I know everything that’s 

happening in my community and 

have the choice of whether I want to 

attend or not. It’s a great feature.”

Ms. Shirley 

Resident | Weinberg Place

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AARP Foundation Connect2Affect

How We are Pivoting

Our train - the - trainer model allows you to implement voice - activated 

technology in a sustainable and cost-effective way.

Remote training

for staff and 

volunteers

Facilitator guides

Remote Workshop

Presentations & 

Guided Recorded 

Trainings

Explainer videos

Course handouts

Telehealth 101

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AARP Foundation Connect2Affect

AARP Foundation Social Check - in 

AARP Foundation’s Social Check - In helps 

you keep track of the strength of your social 

connections and how they affect your wellbeing. By answering a few questions, you 

can find out whether you’re at risk for social 

isolation — and get tips for building and 

maintaining strong relationships.

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Marketing and 

Outreach Tips
Build on 

your 

established 

brand 

identity 
Market a 

mix of 

practical 

and social 
Leverage 

larger 

partners for 

reach 
Virtual Participants (cumulative)
Addressing Barriers
Whenever 

possible, use 

mainstream 

technology 

(use adaptive 

technologies when 

needed)
Offer linked 

skills training
Raise your 

digital game
What Do Older Adults Want to 

Learn?

Top Three Requests: 

1.Technology 

2.Education 

3.Travel

n=7,889 (from AARP events)
Going Virtual

Pre - Covid 

Programs 

Virtual Programs
THANK YOU

www.oats.org

info@oats.org

FB: @OlderAdultsTechnologyServices

LI: @OlderAdultsTechnologyServices

www.seniorplanet.org

FB: @ SeniorPlanet 

TW: @SeniorPlanet

IG: @senior.planet
Improving the lives of 40 million older 

adults by 2030

National Council on Aging

Susan Stiles, PhD

Senior Director, Product Development and Strategy
Improving the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030 | © 2020 National Council on Aging | ncoa.org | 

@NCOAging 39

How To: Interactive/Inclusive Conversations

1. Plan Ahead

o Define the purpose: What should participants do as a result of

attending? 

o Choose your technology (high tech/no tech/hybrid) 

o Determine size and length of class/session 

o Send any read, watch, or listen- ahead materials 

2. Favor Experiential Learning 

o Toss out the lecture, if possible 

o Have participants lead discussions and class activities

o Ask individuals for remarks/insights/personal examples 

o Assign “homework” for a multi - week class 

o Ask more questions than you would normally do in an in - person

environment (and use the chat feature to encourage multiple 

responses at once)

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Improving the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030 | © 2020 National Council on Aging | ncoa.org | 

@NCOAging 40

How To: Interactive/Inclusive Conversations

3. Mix it Up 

o Use polls and pop quizzes

o Insert interesting facts and data points (“Did you know?”) 

o Chunk the material into smaller bites

o Make use of breakout rooms for real- time, small group

conversations 

o Actively “manage” the session (may require two people) 

o Call on people specifically and encourage them to ask/type 

questions 

4. Continue the Conversation 

o Communicate via email, phone, chat groups, social media, 

buddies, etc. 

o Recruit participant “champions” to lead these conversations
Aging

Mastery

Program® 

Classes

Improving the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030 | © 2019 National Council on Aging | 

ncoa.org | @NCOAging 41
{ } 

Improving the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030 | © 2019 National Council on Aging | 

ncoa.org | @NCOAging 

Quote from Aging Mastery Program

Initially, I was doubtful that the virtual Aging Mastery 

Program® sessions could be as effective and interactive as 

an in - person class. However, I was pleasantly surprised to 

find that not only were the videos, workbook, and expert 

speakers engaging, but these stimulated participants to 

discuss their impressions, share their experiences, and 

learn from each other in a virtual environment. 

-- Aging Mastery participant from Springfield, OH (United

Senior Services)

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Improving the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030 | © 2020 National Council on Aging | ncoa.org | 

@NCOAging 43

Aging Mastery 

via Phone

§ I look forward to the calls each 

week. 

§ This has helped me to be more 

mindful of the things I know I 

should be doing. 

§ Many of the activities show it is 

important to continue to 

exercise, budget, connect 

socially, eat healthy, and drink 

more water. 

§ I have enjoyed the sessions. 

What you are doing is 

important. (92 - year - old, former 

ADRC director.)
Improving the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030 | © 2019 National Council on Aging | ncoa.org | @NCOAging 44

Connected CommunitiesTM

Connects older adults to their senior housing 

communities by enabling them to access community 

information using just their voice. 

§ Shared journey of learning

§ On- demand access to information, resources, and

events

§ Empowerment/independence/engagement 

Includes a social check- in survey to risk for isolation on

regular basis and offers tips for staying connected. 

https://connectedcommunities.aarpfoundation.org/
Improving the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030 | © 2019 National Council on Aging | ncoa.org | @NCOAging 45

Senior Planet: 

“All Things Zoom”

Instruction on how to use Zoom video 

conferencing software to chat with friends & 

family, and take virtual classes with Senior 

Planet. 

I am not currently a " Solo - coVider ”, 

but since no one knows what 

tomorrow brings, I want to be informed 

about choices when/if that time 

arrives. I look forward to the Zoom 

sessions Senior Planet offers... So 

much info to keep the brain active!! 

Thank you !!! 

https://seniorplanet.org/event/all-things-zoom/
Improving the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030 | © 2019 National Council on Aging | ncoa.org | 

@NCOAging 46

Senior Planet: “Morning Stretch”

Nearly 200 participants log on daily to start their 

day together with gentle stretching and breathing meditations, 

then stick around after class to connect and talk. 

I stay to hear others' comments about the class or to 

gather information. This is helpful to make me feel 

connected as my exposure to the world currently is 

super limited to very infrequent shopping for 

necessities. I still stay anonymous. 

But I am getting more familiar with the exercise 

routines and the participants. This is a daily go - to 

experience, and a life saver for me. Wish I had known 

about it during the first 2 1/2 months of isolation. I am 

now a member. My best and most life enhancing 

membership that I have.

https://seniorplanet.org/event/morning-stretch/2020-07-06/
Improving the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030 | © 2019 National Council on Aging | 

ncoa.org | @NCOAging 

Motion Picture Television Fund: Call Hub

Developed from The Daily Call Sheet, a social call program, 

during the pandemic. 

§ Enables organizations to launch and

manage their own social call

programs

§ Has single toll- free number for all

volunteers and recipients to

use; designed for convenience, safety, 

and privacy

§ Offers access to administrative 

dashboard where organizations can

manage their volunteers and

recipients, track call data to know who

is and who may not be receiving calls
Improving the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030 | © 2019 National Council on Aging | ncoa.org | 

@NCOAging 48

Resources

§ AARP Foundation: Connect2Affect 

o https://connect2affect.org/

§ Georgia Tech: Tools for Life 

o https://gatfl.gatech.edu/tflwiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

§ LeadingAge: Social Connectedness and Engagement 

Technology Tool 

o https://www.leadingage.org/social-connectedness-andengagement-technology-tool

§ N4A: engAGED 

o https://www.engagingolderadults.org/

§ NCOA: Tools for Reaching a Remote Audience 

o https://www.ncoa.org/resources/tools-for-reaching-a-remoteaudience-webinar-tips/
Improving the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030 | © 2019 National Council on Aging | ncoa.org | 

@NCOAging 49

Resources (cont’d)

Senior Planet: www.seniorplanet.org/coronavirus

§ Step - by- step guides for Zoom (English | Spanish | Chinese) 

§ Over 50 free, secure virtual programs each week 

o“Explore Tech”– online food delivery, banking, scam

prevention 

o Daily virtual fitness programs and social gatherings 

§ Video tutorials demonstrating essential tech skills, like downloading apps 

§ “Stuck at Home” guides — online entertainment, telemedicine, avoiding isolation 

§ “Stay Connected” program pairs seniors with one another for weekly check - ins 

§ Guides to low- cost internet and best devices for seniors 

§ Local hotlines for seniors feeling isolated 

§ A national tech-help hotline, staffed 9am- 5pm, M - F: 920-666-1959
Questions?

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