Creating Connectivity for Older Adults
In Massachusetts, the rising cost of living intersects with increasing digital dependence, creating a critical challenge for older adults living independently. While internet connectivity has become essential for healthcare, social connection, and daily tasks, 30% of adults over 65 in Massachusetts lack access to both a device and broadband connection. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified this digital divide, transforming what was once a convenience into a necessity for maintaining independence and well-being.
Contextual Research & Analysis
Community-Driven Solutions
Sustainable Implementation Framework
Understanding the Problem
Research Methodology
Primary Research
In-depth interviews with 10 older adults from diverse backgrounds
Consultations with 13 subject matter experts including government officials, NGO leaders, and internet service providers
Development of detailed personas and journey maps to understand user needs
Financial modeling to validate solution viability
Secondary Research
Analysis of broadband availability and pricing across Massachusetts
Evaluation of existing connectivity programs and their limitations
Study of successful community-based initiatives in other sectors
Key Insights
The Sustainability Gap
While temporary solutions exist, they often create dependency
Program end-dates leave older adults with unusable devices
The transition from subsidized to market-rate services is rarely successful
The Community Factor
Older adults respond better to community-based initiatives
Local organizations play a crucial role in technology adoption
Existing community structures could be leveraged for implementation
The Financial Reality
Individual internet plans are often prohibitively expensive
Shared plans could reduce per-person costs significantly
Multiple stakeholders are willing to contribute to solutions
Solution Development
Through extensive stakeholder collaboration and financial modeling, we developed a community-based internet subsidy plan that leverages existing social structures and creates sustainable funding mechanisms. The solution combines:
Local organization leadership for implementation
The foundation of our solution leverages existing community organizations like churches, senior centers, and local community groups to create shared internet plans. By bringing together older adults who live independently but share a common community organization, we can negotiate better rates with internet service providers while creating natural support networks. This approach reduces individual costs while strengthening community bonds.
Multi-stakeholder contribution model
To ensure long-term sustainability, we designed a shared financial pool that draws from multiple funding sources. This pool acts as a buffer between individual older adults and the full cost of internet service. Our financial modeling showed that with consistent contributions, the pool could sustainably support internet access for groups of older adults while keeping individual contributions as low as $4.20 per month. The pool's structure allows for flexible contribution levels and ensures continuity even if individual contributors step back.
Crowdfunded financial pool for sustainable subsidies
The solution brings together diverse stakeholders including NPOs, NGOs, governmental agencies, local community groups, family members, and community members who want to support their local older adults. Each stakeholder group contributes according to their means and capabilities, creating a resilient funding structure. This distributed approach not only makes the solution more sustainable but also creates a sense of shared responsibility and community investment in older adult connectivity.
Shared internet plans organized through community centers
Community organizations serve as the bridge between older adults and internet service providers, taking on the crucial role of program administration. Local leaders manage participant enrollment, coordinate with service providers, and oversee the collection and distribution of funds. This local leadership ensures the program remains responsive to community needs while maintaining professional management of resources. Organization leaders also help identify and support older adults who might benefit from the program, creating a natural outreach mechanism.
Lessons & Insights
This project revealed several key learnings about solving complex social challenges:
Community-First Solutions: The most effective solutions leverage existing community structures rather than creating new ones.
Sustainable Design: Long-term impact requires careful attention to financial sustainability from the start.
Stakeholder Alignment: Success depends on aligning incentives across multiple stakeholder groups.
Process & Contribution
As lead researchers on this initiative, our team:
Conducted comprehensive stakeholder interviews
Developed detailed financial models
Created implementation frameworks
Built stakeholder coalitions
Designed pilot program structures
The project's success demonstrates how thorough research and thoughtful solution design can address complex social challenges while creating sustainable, community-based outcomes.