LNN Spotlight focuses on major issues important to local Hispanic/Latino and underrepresented communities — stay updated on the monthly series by following us on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, and Radio Public.
On this episode of LNN Spotlight, Writer/Editor Belén Dumont speaks with AARP New Hampshire State Director Christina FitzPatrick on how digital access and literacy vary among the state’s diverse communities and what relevant resources are available for residents.
FitzPatrick shared that when people think of access to the internet, oftentimes, they’re thinking of the physical infrastructure, and in many rural areas across New Hampshire and the country that does not exist but the issue goes beyond that.
“It’s not just that you have the infrastructure…we have to ask whether people are able to afford it, whether they have the devices and equipment to be able to take advantage of the internet, and do they know how to use those devices,” explained FitzPatrick.
Accessing the internet brings countless opportunities that can be particularly beneficial for older adults, including: being able to socialize (keeping in touch with family and friends no matter the distance, discover health and wellness information and tools (health monitoring applications, telehealth appointments, work out routines, fitness classes), and other things like go online shopping, play games, apply for jobs or benefits, learn new skills, and use financial security tools.
Fitzpatrick highlighted Pew Research Center data that shows only 60% of people aged 65 and older own a smartphone and 70% of people aged 65 and older have high-speed internet access at home.
“For older adults…there are a lot of reasons they may not have internet access or may not have a smartphone,” shared Fitzpatrick. “They may not see the value; They don’t know how the world could open if they had access to the internet and knew how to use it. Some folks see the value but they are really intimidated by finding out how to use a computer, use a smartphone.”
Older adults may also be hesitant to go online because of privacy concerns and the presence of scams and frauds, said Fitzpatrick.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau also highlights disparities in digital access among different racial and ethnic groups.
“For the Hispanic/Latino population, they’re less likely than the general population to have high-speed internet at home and they’re more likely than the general population to be smartphone dependent,” said Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick explained that people who can only access the internet through their smartphones are much more limited in what they can do online.
“If people are going to learn how to use devices, then the organizations that work with these populations need to have the resources and the capacity to provide assistance. Teaching people how to use devices is very time consuming and it’s not a one-shot deal,” said Fitzpatrick.
AARP New Hampshire’s efforts to close the digital divide include giving out grants to libraries across the state to fund equipment and classes on digital literacy, skills, and safety. AARP also runs the Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Senior Planet programs which offer courses in a wide variety of areas, including digital skills and safety.
Fitzpatrick added that Senior Planet is currently working with the United Way of Greater Nashua and Pemi-Baker Literacy in Plymouth to offer classes in person and within the community.
“The federal government also has a role here as well,” emphasized Fitzpatrick. “Hopefully, the federal government will step up. There’s millions of dollars that have been allocated and we just don’t know what’s going to happen to that money, given to what’s happening in Washington.”
Publisher’s Note: AARP New Hampshire and New Hampshire Latino News are partners in providing greater visibility and voice to local Hispanic-Latino communities.