[Research Report] Measuring Transformational Social Outcomes Among Seniors Using Technology

During the height of the COVID pandemic, civic leaders in New York City embarked on an extraordinary program to provide technology access, devices, and training to 10,000 older adults living in public housing. This effort was conceived on an emergency basis, joining officials from multiple city agencies, executives from T-Mobile, and leaders from the nonprofit sector, who planned and implemented an emergency technology program of unprecedented scale to support low-income older adults. These technology assets were a critical resource for older New Yorkers, and they also provided a unique opportunity for learning more about the impact of such programs and what effect would they have on social engagement, symptoms of depression, or feelings of isolation. An applied-research collaboration with Professor York Cornwell — employing validated statistical methods, including a control group for comparison purposes — provides important answers that are contained in this report. The data present a complex portrait of the social dynamics at work, and show several important new findings regarding the potential benefits of technology training (when combined with devices and connectivity) for older adults.