We’re proud to testify to the New York City Council to ensure that the strengths, as well as the needs, of older adults are consistently heard and prioritized by New York’s elected officials. Below is testimony submitted by LiveOn NY to the New York City Council Committees on Aging and Technology.

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New York City Council
Committee on Aging
Chair, Council Member Chin
Committee on Technology
Chair, Council Member Holden
January 22, 2021
Oversight - Increasing Senior Access to Technology

Thank you for the opportunity to testify on increasing senior access to technology.

LiveOn NY’s members include more than 100 community-based nonprofits that provide core services which allow all New Yorkers to thrive in our communities as we age, including senior centers, home-delivered meals, affordable senior housing, elder abuse prevention, caregiver supports, NORCs and case management. With our members, we work to make New York a better place to age.

Throughout the pandemic, LiveOn NY’s members and the entire aging services network have found new ways to provide critical services to older New Yorkers in the face of unprecedented demand and a public health crisis. Technology has been the core to making this work possible. Overnight Senior Center classes went virtual and phone calls became the main mode of communication with clients. This work is critical, as isolation is now understood to be a significant health risk and predictor of morbidity. The ability to remain connected virtually has undoubtedly saved lives. To showcase the breadth of virtual programming that is now available, LiveOn has created a webpage where older adults can find classes offered in their community or that focus on their interests.

Unfortunately, the FCC estimates that 21 million Americans do not have access to high-speed internet, while other studies believe that number is closer to 42 million people. Even in New York, there are areas where connectivity remains a challenge. Additionally, financial barriers hinder access to technology among older adults, particularly given that the majority of older adults rely on limited fixed incomes. Today, many seniors can’t afford to purchase technology such as tablets or computers, and even if the devices are given to them, it is difficult or impossible to afford monthly internet access. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the digital divide, brought increased awareness to its existence, and highlighted the disastrous effects of not combatting its prevalence.

Encouragingly, both the City and the State are beginning to address this issue. For example, the City’s tablet distribution program is a concrete step towards improving access to technology, and Governor Cuomo recently announced intent to “mandate $15 per month high-speed service for low-income families” guaranteeing “affordable internet for all low-income families.” LiveOn NY encourages the state to ensure program eligibility that is inclusive of low-income older New Yorkers.

Although efforts have been made to increase senior access to technology from the start of the pandemic until now, and while Mayor de Blasio initially promoted tech access through his “Internet Master Plan,” more must be done. LiveOn NY and our members have seen the ways that lack of access to technology limits the ability for older adults to remain engaged and connected in our communities. For example, lack of access limits one’s ability to connect to virtual programming, thereby heightening the risk of isolation. Further, lack of access means missing out on real time information, such as best practices in regards to COVID, how to access food or the vaccine, online job opportunities, and even the ongoing political discourse that often happens through the web.

One of LiveOn NY’s members, PSS, surveyed more than 700 older adult participants, and found lowest tech use and comfort among their Senior Center program attendees, with many having no personal means to access the internet, whether it be through WiFi or cell service. Many clients reported having only a basic cell phone as their technology infrastructure. These findings underscore and support the urgency of the following recommendations, aimed at combating the digital divide:

City

Increase funding. Utilizing new technologies, Senior Centers have kept tens of thousands of seniors safe, connected, and healthy during the pandemic, despite operating on a shoestring budget. It is critical that Centers have a strong technology infrastructure to further enable Senior Centers and other DFTA programs to connect with older adults through virtual programming, during the pandemic and beyond.

LiveOn NY recommends that the City increase its investment in the technology infrastructure of Senior Center and other DFTA providers.
Fulfill the commitment to allocate $10 million annually to Senior Centers, a promise that was neglected to be fulfilled in FY21, which would expand Senior Center funding to support the type of virtual programming made possible during this time.
Fully fund the Indirect Cost Rates (ICR), which not only ensures the viability of the nonprofits providing these services, but often covers software and data systems that enable programs to perform in an increasingly virtual world.

Prepare for reopening. As Senior Center spaces remain closed, the Centers’ computer rooms which often are the sole point of access to technology for older adults are closed as well.

The City must critically evaluate and share its timeline to reopen Senior Center spaces, as well as provide guidance on how to operate congregate spaces, such as computer labs, safely in the future.

Promote tech literacy among older adults. It’s important to keep in mind that of the older adults who have internet access, nearly half require assistance to use the internet or to set up their new device, and many are reliant on family for this support. This is why it is important to not only support tech expansion, but to support organizations that promote technology literacy among older adults.

The City should look to broaden and fund collaboration with Senior Centers, and organizations such as Senior Planet, which offers a hotline and courses to broaden tech access among older adults.

Make City resources accessible no matter a person’s tech literacy. As we have seen from the vaccine distribution, too often, an over-reliance on technologically rooted outreach and enrollment systems can lead to barriers in access for those who are not tech savvy. This can no longer be an afterthought. Just as the City should work to make all of its services available in multiple languages, so should it prioritize accessibility on the basis of technology literacy, or lack thereof. Non-tech options can no longer be second tier, meaning a phone option that is being utilized for seniors unable to register for the vaccine through the web, can not yield unreasonable hold times or other barriers. Whether it be sharing information around vaccine distribution, SCRIE eligibility or new senior units available on Housing Connect, removing barriers to access City resources will undoubtedly make New York a better place to age.

At the outset of all initiatives, the City must consistently implement multi-pronged outreach efforts that utilize both technology and non-tech outreach and engagement methods.

State

LiveOn NY requests City Council utilize its platform to call on Governor Cuomo to sign the Comprehensive Broadband Connectivity Act (A.6679C Ryan/S.8805 Metzger). This legislation directs “the public service commission to review broadband and fiber optic services within the state and requires the expansion of broadband and fiber optic services.” By understanding and working to expand broadband and fiber optic services, New York will promote equity and equal access to information across the state for individuals of all ages. Enacting this legislation will support Governor Cuomo’s goal of increasing broadband access across the state.

Federal

Expand distribution of tech resources. LiveOn NY is incredibly appreciative of the City’s investment in 10,000 tablets for older NYCHA residents, an initiative funded by utilizing federally allocated community-development block grants (CDBG), which are flexible in nature. This distribution program should be expanded to further meet the need that exists, and to share any data received on the impact of this initial investment to date.

Fully utilize federal resources. Within the most recent stimulus package, there has been new funding allocated for broadband infrastructure; notably, $7 billion for expanding access to high speed internet access.7 The City must evaluate this funding and ensure that it is prepared and well positioned to access these new resources.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify at today’s hearing.