Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 39, Number 8, 1 August 2022 — Helping Kūpuna Get Online [ARTICLE]

Helping Kūpuna Get Online

A new printed and online directory of classes, programs, and online and

technical support to help kūpuna use their devices to access the internet is now available at Hawai'i public libraries, county aging ofHces and online at hiphi.org/kupuna-digital-inclu-sion-workgroup/. AARP Hawai'i and the Hawai'i Puhlie Health Institute created the Kūpuna Digital Resource Directory and the Hawai'i Digital Inclusion Roadmap to help more kūpuna go online. "The pandemic taught us that it's vital that kūpuna know how to go online. They need to be able to access healthcare services, talk to friends and family on Zoom, take virtual classes, and get access to news and government services that have moved online," said Keali'i Lopez, AARP Hawai'i state director. Although 77.4% of Hawai'i's kūpuna have computer access and broadband internet at home, those living in rural areas still face obstacles - particularly the laek of high-speed broadband connectivity. In addition to the laek of connectivity, fears of new technology, concerns about online scams, and affordability contribute to the digital divide. "We hope the Digital Inclusion Roadmap will guide policymakers and nonprofits that work with kūpuna in applying for federal funding and other grants to address digital inequity," said Kayla Carlisle, one of the authors of the report.