AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
University of Utah Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Digital Connections
└ Digital navigation skills
└ Digital navigation skills
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.
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.
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.
Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: 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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Salt Lake City, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Trails
Description: An abandoned rail corridor in the Poplar Grove neighborhood prevented residents from safely walking or bicycling to Salt Lake City's downtown. A natural creek flowed through the site, but it was encased in an underground pipe. After the train tracks were removed in 2008, City leaders hoped to uncover the creek and add a 1.5-mile walk-bike trail. To build support for the project, they installed markers along the proposed trail and creek routes, adding signs with information about the site's history and benefits of restoring the creek. Local officials and residents were encouraged to walk the corridor and get involved in its restoration. The City also hosted an Oktoberfest celebration, which attracted more than 1,000 attendees who shared their priorities for the site. Topping the list: more green space. The completed trail opened in 2022. Following a city-funded study confirming the feasibility of daylighting the creek, the City and Seven Canyons Trust are now working on design options.
Salt Lake City, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Older adults in Salt Lake City often feel overlooked in transit planning, leaving them isolated in neighborhoods divided by highways and poor air quality. HEAL addressed this by hosting walk audits and listening sessions, creating a toolkit for residents, and partnering with the transit authority to teach residents how to use buses and apply for reduced fares. These efforts amplified older voices in city studies and boosted independence by showing practical routes and services. One participant said learning about a nearby bus line made them feel less dependent on rides from family and friends.
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 Utah State Office
6975 Union Park Center
Suite 320
Midvale (Salt Lake City), UT 84047
United States