AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Community Health Development Foundation (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Digital Connections
└ Digital navigation skills
└ Digital navigation skills
In rural Nevada, many older adults struggled with isolation and limited digital access, leaving them cut off from family and health care providers. To bridge this divide, the foundation installed laptops and tablets at centers in Wells and Carlin. It recruited local high school students to teach older residents how to use email, video calls and the internet safely. The sessions drew growing interest, with many reporting newfound confidence and eagerness to keep learning. The project not only built digital skills but also lasting connections between generations and within the community. One participant, after learning to use video chat for the first time, tearfully said she was "so happy" to finally see her granddaughter again.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Denver, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Many older adults in Montbello lacked digital skills needed to access online services and stay connected. The committee expanded its training center and delivered an eight-week program that taught computer basics, file management, word processing, spreadsheets, email and digital safety. They added five computers and integrated skills into other programs. Participants reported greater confidence and independence. One participant said that she had always feared "breaking the computer", but now uses it comfortably to manage essential tasks.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bell County, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: In rural Kentucky, older adults lacked internet access, leaving them unable to apply for benefits or use telehealth. The mission installed high-speed internet at the center, and added computers, tablets and printers. It also launched Seniors4Seniors classes where high school students taught digital skills. Weekly workshops covered email setup and benefit access. The participants now use tablets to accept electronic payments at farmers markets, boosting income and food access. "I was able to sell my organic produce at the Farmers Market this summer because of the...tablet I was able to borrow and the digital literacy training I received," said one participant.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Florence, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: The pandemic left many older adults in rural Florence County isolated and unable to navigate the digital world. To close this gap, the association upgraded its computer lab and added new laptops and tablets. It then launched workshops on internet safety, genealogy and computer software. Graduates received devices to continue learning, and some even published a cookbook and traced family histories. More than 100 participants gained confidence online, and a growing waitlist signals demand as plans expand to remote sites and develop volunteer mentors.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Winnemucca, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: A large community garden in one of Winnemucca's parks had fallen into disrepair. But organizers with Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca saw the space's potential and set out to revitalize the community space. Organizers wanted to make the garden accessible, allowing people with mobility issues to garden while seated, or simply observe others while they work. To achieve this, they installed hip-height raised garden beds onsite. Additionally, they laid down pavers to create smooth surface suitable for people using wheelchairs and walkers. New benches completed the transformation, giving visitors a comfortable space to rest. To ensure the garden remains well cared for, the age-friendly initiative also purchased a weedwhacker for the site, along with a drip irrigation system. Organizers say the project's success inspired local leaders to consider other ways to improve the park.
Winnemucca, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Part of larger efforts to develop a new park in Winnemucca's Whitworth Recreation Complex, the local age-friendly initiative County set out to provide residents with outdoor exercise options. They created a paved walking trail, which features exercise stations. Organizers prioritized accessibility, ensuring the path's surface was navigable for people using wheelchairs and walkers. Additionally, local organizations added seating and a bus stop onsite. Already home to a playground, splash pad and picnic area, the recreation center supports community health for residents of all ages.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Nevada State Office
5820 S. Eastern Avenue
Suite 190
Las Vegas, NV 89119
United States