In an effort to address these issues and help close the gaps, in 2022 AARP convened a series of roundtables with experts from governments, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations, focusing on three key pillars for achieving the digital inclusion of aging populations:

1. Broadband Access: Today, broadband is seen as the foundation for an internet-dependent world. However, uptake is undermined by barriers to physical

access as well as issues of affordability that impact seniors disproportionately.

2. Digital Skills: Even when connected to the internet, many older adults face a significant but surmountable skills gap that limits the utility of digital devices and services. Adequate and appropriate training can help ensure that older adults get online and get the most out of the digital realm.

3. Inclusive Design: Design processes often tend to treat older adults and their needs as afterthoughts. Involving older adults of all backgrounds and abilities from the start, and adapting to their design needs, can make digital ecosystems work better for everyone.

This brief examines the challenges associated with each pillar and aggregates some of the key recommendations from the roundtable discussions.