Connected and Capable: How Tech Training Supports Healthy Aging with Donna Epps of Verizon

Many assume screen time is something older adults should reduce—but new evidence suggests otherwise. In fact, regular online engagement may help slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia. In this episode of The Aging Well Podcast, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer at Verizon, to explore how digital inclusion and tech training can help older adults stay mentally sharp, socially connected, and empowered in a digital world.

Donna shares how Verizon has partnered with OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) from AARP to launch an 8-city national tour offering free, in-person digital skills workshops for older adults. Together, they’re reframing the conversation around tech use in later life—from a risk to a powerful resource for longevity, independence, and well-being.

Learn more about Verizon’s full Digital Wellness offerings at http://verizon.com/digitalwellness:

·      The nationwide tour is taking place from July - September.Upcoming workshops are being held in Miami, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. 

·      In partnership with OATS from AARP for older adults, and another organization called My Digital TAT2 for parents and caregivers, we invite you to sign up for a series of free, in person workshops designed to help your family build safer, healthier relationships with technology. Workshops are also offered in Spanish.

·      You can sign up at: https://digitalwellness.verizon.com/ 

·      This partnership not only offers workshops in Verizon retail stores, but also at OATS from AARP Senior Planet locations, and online through http://seniorplanet.org/.