This document summarizes a presentation about getting rural elderly residents online to stay connected and independent. It discusses why internet usage is important for the elderly population. Focus groups were conducted in rural Wisconsin to understand barriers and motivators for elderly internet adoption. Key findings include the importance of "high touch" training programs that provide hands-on support. Successful programs incorporate internet access into healthcare and offer low-cost options. Building on existing community organizations and utilizing human networks were seen as important for reaching and encouraging rural seniors to adopt internet technologies. The document then outlines technologies used to support aging in place and reviews best practices from rural and national programs that could be replicated.

1. BROADBAND BOOT CAMP: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016
Rural Elderly Residents Online:
Getting connected , staying
independent
Gail M. Huycke, Professor
Community Development Outreach Specialist
UW-Extension Broadband & E-Commerce Education
Center

2. Why Should We Be Concerned If Elderly Are Online?
• The elderly are becoming growing demographic
• Utilization of the internet & technology are important to participating
fully in society
• Utilization can improve elder health
• Utilization can save money
• Utilization can enable elderly to remain independent longer

3. Rural Connected Aging Communities:
An 11 month journey conducted by UW-Extension Broadband
& E-Commerce Education Center and funded by Bader
Philanthropies to research best practices to encourage elderly
adoption of the internet and technology, understand barriers
and motivations for elderly adoption and develop the roadmap
to create Connected Aging Communities in two pilot
communities.

4. Elements of Phase I
• Creation of an Advisory Committee
• Review of Best Practices (Review of literature and
interviews)
• Conduct a Series of Seven Focus Groups in North Central
Wisconsin
• Determine Framework for Developing Rural Connected
Aging Communities
• Select a Framework for Selecting Pilot Communities for
Phase II

7. Wisconsin Age Group Estimates
U.S. Wisconsin
Total Population - All Ages, All Races 309,138,711 5,687,219
60+ 57,596,427 1,098,751
65+ 40,671,441 783,662
75+ 18,659,380 378,572
85+ 5,512,132 116,549
% 60+ 18.6% 19.3%
% 65+ 13.2% 13.8%
% 75+ 6.0% 6.7%
% 85+ 1.8% 2.0%
Males age 65+ 17,555,646 340,779
Males as percent of 65+ population 43.2% 43.5%
Females age 65+ 23,115,795 442,883
Females as percent of 65+ population 56.8% 56.5%
58% of senior citizens use the internet. Those who live in rural areas are less likely than those in the suburbs and urban areas to use the
internet. Still, 78% of rural residents are online.
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey, 2008-12 Five-Year Estimates, Table B01001, 1/2014.
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/demographics.htm
American’s Internet Access 2010-2015 (Pew Research)
http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/06/26/americans-internet-access-2000-2015/

8. Broadband
2012 Computer and Internet Use
Governing analyzed Oct 2012 microdata for the Census Bureau’s Computer and internet use supplement to the Current Population
Survey.

9. Digital device use by age groups (Pew Internet Research report 2012)

10. BOOMERS & SENIORS ONLINE
• The Internet is an everyday part of their lives
• Over half of this population watches online video
• Social networking sites are used by the majority
• Search is the top online information gathering
source
• Most access the Internet via their PCs; growing
portions are using tablets and smart phones
• Interested in a variety of social issues around
senior advocacy
https://ssl.gstatic.com/think/docs/reaching-todays-boomers-and-seniors-online_research-studies.pdf

11. Does the Research Ring True for
Rural Wisconsin?
We conducted 7 focus groups in Northcentral
Wisconsin with 75 adults (62% were female, 37%
were male and 62% identified themselves as seniors)
to learn about current usage, motivators and barriers
to senior adoption.

12. Lessons Learned:
• The perception on the number of users utilizing the internet varied based on reporter
background. Healthcare and benefit delivery systems report fewer seniors accessing
the internet. Those in volunteer capacity rare encountering seniors who are more tech
savvy.
• Participation of seniors utilizing technology appears to be higher in women than men.
• Adoption is often connected to age spectrum, those under 65 may have been exposed
to technology while employed making them more likely to adopt (with the type of
employment having a major influence).
• “Seniors are like bookends, you have extreme users, non-users and everything in-
between”
• Social Media as a means of staying connected to family and friends tops the list of
uses.
• The use of the internet for entertainment is becoming more popular (movies, games,
hobbies)
• Seniors are utilizing the internet for healthcare, research, banking, and shopping but in
far fewer numbers.

13. Obstacles and Barriers for Adoption:
• Lack of knowledge serves as a major barrier for adoption, this
includes everything from what is possible to the technology
itself.
• Fear of; identity theft, invasion of privacy, scams and learning
something new all serve as barriers for adoption.
• Costs of devices and service are a deterrent for many, some
simply can’t afford others need to see a cost benefit.
• Keeping up with the technology and maintenance is a major
concern.
• Access to internet whether in the home or convenient public
sites is a barrier.
• Lack of devices to accommodate physical limitations.
• Some simply have no desire.

14. Motivating Factors for Adoption:
• The number one motivator for adoption is keeping in contact with family
and friends.
• Life changing events such as medical needs can serve as triggers and
motivators.
• Cost benefit was evident; they could see financial savings.
• Increased access to information and education.
• Accessing services that would allow seniors to remain independent
(healthcare, shopping, benefits access, banking).

15. Best Way to Reach and Encourage Seniors to Adopt:
• An overall theme echoed by all groups included programs need to be “high
touch” as well as “high tech”, they required continual human contact and
support.
• Utilizing locations where seniors generally congregate is essential
(breakfast/coffee sites, churches, libraries, senior centers, grocery stores).
• Hands on demonstrations by peers, family members and youth are often less
threatening.
• Incorporating training as part of healthcare (rehab centers, OT, disease
control).
• Provide free of low cost options for devices and services.
• Community Organizations are a great way to reach seniors as they have
existing relationships and trust with members.

16. Body: Products that support monitoring and management of an older adult’s physiological status and
mental health for maintaining wellness and managing the chronic conditions
Home Environment: Products that support monitoring and maintaining the functional status of older
adults in their home environments
Community: Technologies that enable older adults to stay socially connected to their families, friends,
and local communities
Caregiving: Technologies and products that support both informal and formal caregivers in providing
timely and effective care and support to older adults and persons with disabilities in their homes
The final category in particular highlights how many technologies can be used both to empower older
adults in managing their own health and remaining independent while also enabling them to be
monitored
by either professional or informal caregivers.
A Framework for Understanding Technologies that Support Older Adults Aging in Place

17. Body
Commonly Used Technology:
• Wearable Activity Monitors
• Vital Sign Monitoring
• Emergency Response Systems
• Smart Medication Dispensers
• Emotion Monitors
• Mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems and Global Position Services
• Medication Adherence Systems
• Smart Toilets
• Mood and Depression Monitors
• Sleep Monitors
• Medical Records Management
New Innovative Technology:
• Smart Clothing
• Hydration Tracking and Motivation Devices
• Virtual Health Care (Astia Health, Illinois Telehealth Network)
• Kinesis Medical Devices (fall predictions)
• Virtual Pet Therapy (loneliness & depression)

18. Home Environment
Commonly Used Technology:
• Smart Detection Products Sensors (stove, lights, heat, door locks, bath water)
• Environment Sensors (fire, carbon monoxide, humidity, air quality0
• Video Monitoring
• Fall Detection Technologies
New Innovative Technology:
• Hologram Communication Robots (Japan)
• Intelesant Howz Monitoring (electric monitoring, home sensors analyzed through mobile app
with live cell phone reports- Manchester UK)

19. Community
Commonly Used Technology:
• Social Networking (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Communications (email, Skype etc.)
• Gaming
• Entertainment
• Interest Learning
• Tablets
• Smart Phones
• Desktops
• Laptops
New Technologies:
• Concierge Services
• Connected Living (web platforms)
• Holograms
• Droids

20. Caregiver/Caregiving
Commonly Used Technologies:
• Informal Caregivers Platforms (best practices,
provider locators)
• Formal Care Coordination Platforms (streamline and
monitor care)
• Remote Care Apps
New Technologies:
• New Platforms being developed daily with mobile and
web interfaces
• Informal Care technologies becoming more
interactive allowing reviews

21. Technologies & Device Findings
• Technologies are increasing and being refined at a rapid pace.
• Seniors are most likely to adopt technologies that deal with community and connecting with
family friends.
• Body monitoring technologies are increasing rapidly. These technologies are generally
adopted by seniors when a crisis or life changing events necessitates it, not often by choice.
• Innovations in Smart Home technologies are growing at a tremendous pace, although
adoption has been greater at group facilities than individual homes.
• Invasion of privacy and fear often prevent seniors from utilizing technology unless there is a
definite cost benefit.
• Caregiver technologies are often disease or institution connected.
• Constant changing platforms and upgrades in devices makes technology daunting for
seniors.
• Senior friendly home devices are rated annually by various organizations.
• Brands are not as important as features and ease of use with all technology.

22. Best Rural Practices to Replicate
Wisconsin
• Senior Mentoring (RSVP Mentoring)
• Community Library Programs (drop in, classes equipment lending)
• Intergenerational Programs (School connected)
• Educational Course Offerings (online and site based)
• Closed Communities (Eldertree)
• Telemedicine (Astia Health)
• Health Management Systems
• Senior Center/Community Center workstations
• Equipment Repurpose Programs
• Medical Education Websites

23. National
• University of Main Center on Aging (gerontology incubator, smart house)
• OATA Adults Technology Services ( digital literacy)
• AARP Foundations Connecting to Community (digital literacy)
• Illinois Telehealth Network (rural health connection)
• Innovation Institute, Hospital Sisters Health Systems (telehealth)
• Comcast Internet Essentials (low cost service , digital literacy)
• Capital One, Ready, Set, Bank Online (digital literacy)
• New York Public Library and Older Adults Technology Systems (digital literacy)
• Generations Online, Sip & Swipe Cafes (digital literacy)
• Cyber Seniors (digital literacy)
• Connected Living (digital literacy)
• United Way Utah (digital literacy)
• Senior Tech Days (digital literacy)
• SF Connected (digital literacy)
• Self-help Community Services (digital literacy)
• SeniorNet (digital literacy)
• Kansas University Health Monitoring (caregiving)
• AARP Academy (digital literacy)

24. International
• Go Digi Australia (peer mentors)
• Sata CommHealth, Singapore(community health monitoring)
• Ages 2.0 United Kingdom (social media to improve cognition)
• Niagara West Adult Learning Center, Ontario Canada (computer literacy)
• Aging 2.0 (global innovation network)Health at Home, Thailand (real time
at home healthcare)
• Age Friendly Japan (literacy)
• Vinicles project Barcelona Spain ( caregiver connect)

25. Rural Best Practices to Replicate Findings:
• Digital literacy programs are the most common approach for reaching seniors
• Programs with a high degree of human support are the most successful
• Seniors need to see a cost benefit to participate
• Healthcare programs that are successful are often center around specific health concerns
• Providing incentives encourages participation
• Health Care institutions are most engaged in specific telehealth monitoring and treatment not
strategies for self-monitoring and senior engagement
• Programs generally have one purpose and not a community holistic approach

26. Human Networks are Critical for Success
Key Rural Human Networks Findings
• Strong human networks are the key to success in any program
• Human support needs to be an ongoing component to any successful program
• Most programs are a single pronged approach with single point of entry limiting
audience and volunteers
• Volunteers and community backing are important to build sustainability
• Relying and building on trusted human networks bridges trust barriers

27. BROADBAND ENGAGED
Counties involved with broadband
efforts with UWEX
Counties with broadband resolutions
Counties hosted e-commerce
workshops
Total:
35
SNAPSHO
T

29. KOTTER’S
FRAMEWORK
FOR CHANGE
1. Increase urgency
2. Build guiding teams
3. Get the vision right
4. Communicate the vision
5. Enable action
6. Create short-term wins
7. Don’t let up
8. Make it stick
Roadmap for
Rural Connected Community
Pilots