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.

Sandy, UT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space improvements to increase high-speed internet

Description: This project will install hardware to provide high-speed internet access in a residential community for medically vulnerable older adults and veterans. Once installed, volunteers will teach residents digital navigation skills.