3. Connecting isolated seniors

The pandemic has highlighted numerous digital divides. Franklin County, Ohio’s Office of Aging plans to spend more than $80,000 to help its senior citizens go digital. The approved project routes funds to three programs and provides Wi-Fi hot-spots and other digital devices. The county is also planning to support online social events, like book clubs, and education programs to help disadvantaged seniors learn how to use the technology.

The coronavirus pandemic further isolated seniors who did not have connections to digital services, the office’s assistant director, Amy Funk, wrote in a July resolution. “Digital access will allow these seniors to reduce social isolation, engage in telehealth opportunities, as well as gain access to employment and other commercial activities,” Funk wrote.