By 1808Delaware
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, staying connected and informed is essential—regardless of age. That’s why SourcePoint, Delaware County’s leading aging services provider, has launched a transformative program called #DeletingTheDivide. Designed to equip older adults with essential tech skills, the program reflects SourcePoint’s mission to help residents age well and independently.
Thanks to funding from a Healthy Aging Grant provided by the Delaware County Commissioners, SourcePoint brought digital literacy directly into the community through a series of off-site classes. The initiative aimed to tackle the digital divide head-on, particularly for those 55 and older who may not have had opportunities to grow up with or regularly use technology.
Bringing Learning Closer to Home
#DeletingTheDivide wasn’t limited to SourcePoint’s enrichment center. Instead, it went on the road—offering an 8-week technology training course at Ashley Villa, Arthur Place, and the Unity Community Center. These satellite locations made it easier for older adults, especially those with mobility or transportation challenges, to participate.
Participants received guided, hands-on instruction on how to use email, browse the internet, engage with social media, access medical portals like MyChart, and safely explore smart home devices. Lessons also emphasized online privacy and security—an often-overlooked but vital part of today’s digital landscape.
A Rewarding Experience with Real Tools for the Future
Beyond the knowledge gained, each participant who completed the program walked away with a brand-new Chromebook and an Amazon Echo Dot. These tools not only reward their commitment to learning but also open the door to continued digital exploration and connection at home.
The program has been met with enthusiastic praise from attendees, who report feeling more confident, more connected, and more capable in their day-to-day lives. Whether it’s video calling family, checking a doctor’s message, or streaming music, graduates are discovering new ways to enhance their quality of life through technology.
Bridging the Gap, Building Community
The success of #DeletingTheDivide lies not just in what it teaches, but in how it teaches. Smaller class sizes and patient, step-by-step instruction create a supportive environment where older adults feel comfortable asking questions and trying new things. As they learn, they also build relationships—with instructors and with one another—fostering a sense of community and reducing the risk of social isolation.
Digital literacy programs like this are vital to ensuring equity and inclusion in the modern age. By giving older adults the tools and training they need, SourcePoint is helping them navigate the digital world with confidence—and proving that it’s never too late to learn something new.
To learn more about SourcePoint’s programs for adults 55 and older, visit www.MySourcePoint.org.
