The Impact of the Digital Divide for Older Adults

Affordable, reliable high-speed internet access is an essential resource for nearly all Americans and vital to daily life. Access to high-speed internet helps families stay healthy, find jobs and income opportunities, and grow local businesses. But too many communities in America, especially rural ones, lag behind with access to high-speed internet. And cost can be an issue: according to a 2021 AARP survey, 60 percent of adults age 50 or older say high cost is a problem. In this program, AARP will facilitate a conversation with Republican and Democrat Mayors about the importance of high-speed internet and solutions to end the digital divide.

Topics include:

• Gaps in access to high-speed internet
• How internet access helps people stay healthy and connected
• How small businesses and job seekers benefit from high-speed internet

Speakers:

• Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin, Director Office of Public Engagement, White House
• Mayor Bryan K. Barnett, Rochester Hills, Michigan, 2006-present; Past President, U.S. Conference of Mayors
• Angela Siefer, Executive Director, National Digital Inclusion Alliance