The Smarter Service has been included in a new national report from Volunteers of America, Residents First: Technology for Connection and Healthy Living in Affordable Senior Housing.
The report examines how older adults are engaging with technology today, what drives adoption, and where barriers still exist across senior living and affordable housing.
Technology Is Now Essential, But Adoption Still Lags
Technology is now part of everyday life for older adults. It’s no longer optional for staying connected, managing health, or accessing services.
But adoption remains a challenge.
Not because older adults lack interest, but because confidence, trust, and usability gaps continue to get in the way.
The report reinforces a growing industry reality: improving technology adoption in senior living depends on ongoing digital literacy support for older adults, not just access to devices.
What’s Driving Adoption and What’s Holding It Back
Several clear themes emerged from the research:
- Lack of confidence continues to limit adoption
- Technology often fails when residents are expected to figure it out on their own
- The most effective tools are simple, familiar, and fit naturally into daily routines
- Older adults value technology that supports connection, safety, health, learning, and caregiver communication
At the same time, barriers persist:
- Low digital confidence and skills gaps
- Privacy and scam concerns that lead to avoidance
- Cost and connectivity challenges
- Technology that does not account for real-life needs and usability
The Biggest Gap: Digital Literacy
One of the most consistent findings across the report is the role of digital literacy.
Digital literacy refers to the ability to confidently use devices, apps, and digital services in everyday life. It remains one of the primary barriers to technology adoption among older adults.
Skills don’t stick with one-time training. Without ongoing, hands-on support, many older adults struggle to build the confidence needed to fully engage with the technology available to them.
This matters because without adoption, even the most advanced technology investments fail to deliver meaningful outcomes for residents, staff, and communities.
Recognizing the Role of Human Support
The report highlights the importance of support systems that help older adults use technology in a way that feels accessible, relevant, and aligned with their daily lives.
The Smarter Service is honored to be included as one of the solutions addressing this gap, providing ongoing, hands-on tech concierge support that helps older adults build confidence and consistently use the technology around them.
Read the Full Report
This research offers important insights for senior living operators, technology providers, and anyone focused on improving resident experience and outcomes.
👉 https://www.voa.org/residents-first-technology-for-connection-and-healthy-living-in-affordable-senior-housing/
