AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Mount Hope Community Center (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Digital Connections
└ Digital navigation skills
└ Digital navigation skills
To combat isolation and bridge the digital divide, Mount Hope Community Center created a modern computer lab and offered hands-on classes for older adults. Participants learned essential skills like sending emails, navigating the internet and spotting scams, supported by volunteers and a dedicated instructor. The lab is now a permanent resource, and future workshops will expand to video calls and social media. One participant captured the impact: "What a great feat!" after emailing her child for the first time.
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
Worcester, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in Worcester public housing lacked affordable internet and digital skills, leaving them isolated and unable to access telehealth or manage benefits. The Senior Tech Savvy Pilot Program installed computers and Wi-Fi in community rooms and offered 12 classes for 120 residents. Eighty percent reported confidence using email and browsing safely, and 75% could now navigate health portals. With permanent access to technology and plans for ongoing classes, residents gained independence and security online. One participant said that now she didn't feel the same frustration and was confident enough to practice at home.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lincoln, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in Lincoln faced barriers to using personal devices, limiting access to family, services and fraud protection. Pop-up workshops gave 139 participants hands-on help with their own devices, supported by college volunteers. Seventeen attendees received new tablets with setup assistance, and all learned to spot scams. The program boosted confidence and prompted libraries to expand digital literacy classes, while Aging Partners explores sustaining similar efforts.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Salt Lake County, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: After the COVID-19 pandemic prevented older adults from visiting family, friends or medical offices, the University of Utah's Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic wanted to help people stuck at home connect virtually. The Clinic lent tablets to its patients, as well as to residents of local assisted living facilities and nursing homes. High school and college students volunteered to train recipients to use the tech. I really had to overcome my fear of technology to make it work, one participant told project organizers. The tutor did an excellent job of making me feel comfortable with the hardware and software. To help maintain interpersonal relationships, the Clinic also hosted a series of Conversation Cafes -- weekly virtual gatherings between residents and their family members.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: To introduce older adult residents to ridehailing options, the Rhode Island College Foundation launched a workshop titled It's Uber Easy to Get a Lyft. More than 70 older adults from seven towns attended the workshops, which taught them how to download a smartphone app to hail rides. A majority of participants reported they gained confidence using the services following the training. Organizers hope this helps older adults retain mobility, even when they no longer feel comfortable driving themselves.
Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Age-Friendly Providence examined pedestrian safety conditions that made walking uncomfortable and risky for older adults in several dense neighborhoods. Uneven sidewalks, traffic conditions and missing comfort features limited confidence and mobility, while residents had few ways to influence street design. Through community walk audits, older adults documented safety and accessibility concerns along targeted routes. Insights from a visually impaired participant highlighted how lifted sidewalks and obstacles pose serious challenges. The findings produced location-specific documentation that is being shared with city planners. By centering lived experience, the project ensured older adult needs are shaping future safety priorities and infrastructure recommendations.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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 Rhode Island State Office
10 Orms Street
Suite 200
Providence, RI 02904
United States