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According to a December 2023 AARP online survey, 89 percent of adults 50 and older own some type of technology such as a tablet, cell phone, or similar device. Moreover, overall spending in the tech device industry dropped in 2022 except for consumers in their 60s and 70s, who increased their spending on technology that year. However, while older consumers are willing to purchase technology, many report feeling they need to improve their digital literacy skills, which the American Society on Aging (ASA) is advocating for.

The abovementioned AARP survey also reported that 72 percent of older adults between 50 and 59 are confident in their digital literacy skills, and 61 percent of consumers 70 or older feel the same. These percentages mean that 28 percent of people aged 50 to 59 and 39 percent of those aged 70 and older are not confident in this area. While that may seem a large percentage of people who feel comfortable with their digital skills, these figures are still a concern, given technology's importance in virtually all facets of life today.

Digital literacy especially became important during COVID-19 when many people, much less older adults, had to use technology to function, whether related to working remotely, doctor's visits, or contactless technology. Outside of this health crisis, the business world is moving toward a society where access to online portals, sending emails and texts, using technology to identify oneself, and many other activities are no longer an option but an everyday part of business. Those seniors without this type of literacy become limited in their ability to access and use the many platforms related to health, finances, and business.

ASA's advocacy platform addresses this digital literacy issue with the goal of ensuring that older adults are included in an evolving industry by focusing on three key components. The first relates to enabling older adults to access digital platforms through broadband and other Internet pathways. For some seniors, Internet subscriptions are too expensive, which interferes with adoption, the second issue. Few age-inclusive culturally competent programs focus on digital literacy skills, which impedes adoption. The last issue relates to what these programs teach. These programs must move beyond simply teaching older adults Microsoft Word to teaching skills associated with using FinTech, telehealth, federal and state benefits, social media, and other resources. Furthermore, the courses should also cover recognizing scams and fraud, as cyber crimes against older adults have increased fivefold since 2014, totaling more than $3 billion in losses annually.

The ASA's policy recommendations are that the government invest in more age-inclusive programming in historically underrepresented communities and public housing. They also include creating voucher programs that allow low-income seniors to pay for laptops and other devices. Finally, investment should also go toward state and local programs such as public libraries, senior centers, and meal sites.

The recommendations also ask that older adults contribute to the discussion around strategies for digital literacy inclusion. This contribution is especially relevant in dealing with governing bodies such as the FTC and FCC. Additionally, partnerships with the private sector should include this demographic's voice.

The final recommendation relates to revamping how the government deals with this group. One of the recommendations relates to creating requirements that mandate digital literacy education for receiving support from federal programs. It also includes recommendations for strengthening laws that enable the prosecution of scammers who target seniors.

The American Society on Aging (ASA) aims to protect older adults against discrimination by creating opportunities for inclusion and equity for this group. As part of this mission, the organization often advocates for various issues this population faces, such as digital inclusion. For more information on these policy recommendations, please visit asaging.org/digitalinclusion.

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ASA Advocates for Digital Literacy in Older Adults

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According to a December 2023 AARP online survey, 89 percent of adults 50 and older own some type of technology such as a tablet, cell phone, or similar device. Moreover, overall spending in the tech...

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​As an individual approaches the sunset years, the risk of deteriorating physical and mental health increases. When such an eventuality arises, it becomes challenging to perform daily responsibilities effectively. As a result, it becomes necessary to engage a family member or a trusted third party to step up and care for the elderly individual.

A person or entity legally obligated to act in the beneficiary's best interests, putting the beneficiary's needs above their own, is known as a fiduciary. In most cases, this person is a family member or a person entrusted by the beneficiary. In most states, any person who is not a family member must be licensed by the state.

A professional fiduciary is an individual or organization entrusted to act on behalf of another person, the beneficiary, to make decisions and manage their affairs. In the context of seniors, professional fiduciaries play a critical role in safeguarding the well-being and financial interests of aging individuals who may face challenges in managing their affairs owing to cognitive decline or other health issues.

The need for professional fiduciaries arises mostly in two such scenarios, when a senior lacks family members or close friends who can assume the role of a fiduciary or when conflicts about decisions could arise within the family, making an impartial third party essential to protect the senior's interests.

Professional fiduciaries are appointed through various legal mechanisms such as a durable power of attorney, court appointment, or trust agreements. The appointment process typically involves thoroughly assessing the fiduciary's qualifications, financial responsibility, and background checks to ensure their reliability and suitability for the role. Qualifications may include relevant education, experience in finance, legal matters, and a demonstrated commitment to acting ethically and responsibly.

Professional fiduciaries offer numerous services to their clients. One service is care plan development. One of the essential roles of a professional fiduciary is to develop a comprehensive care plan tailored to the senior's unique needs and circumstances. This plan outlines the medical, social, and emotional support required to enhance the senior's quality of life.

Another service is advocacy for health care. Professional fiduciaries act as advocates for seniors, ensuring that they receive appropriate medical care and attention. They work closely with healthcare providers, monitoring treatment plans and making decisions in the best interests of the senior's health.

Professional fiduciaries also help in ongoing care management. As seniors' needs evolve, professional fiduciaries continuously assess and adjust the care plan to address changing circumstances. This may involve coordinating with healthcare professionals, social workers, and other support services to provide holistic care.

In terms of financial services, professional fiduciaries offer estate administration services. They manage the administration of seniors' estates, ensuring that assets are distributed according to the beneficiaries' wishes or legal requirements after the senior's passing.

Another financial service is bill payment and money management. With the aging process, managing finances can become increasingly challenging. Professional fiduciaries take responsibility for bill payments, budgeting, and financial decisions to prevent financial mismanagement and protect the senior from financial exploitation.

Additionally, they offer conservatorship and guardianship services. In cases where seniors cannot make sound financial decisions or protect their interests, professional fiduciaries may assume the roles of conservators or guardians legally authorized to manage their affairs.

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licensed professional fiduciary & certified care manager

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The Role of a Professional Fiduciary for Seniors

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​As an individual approaches the sunset years, the risk of deteriorating physical and mental health increases. When such an eventuality arises, it becomes challenging to perform daily...

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Experienced Los Angeles Care Manager and Fiduciary Dawn Mills

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Experienced Los Angeles Care Manager and Fiduciary Dawn Mills

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A fiduciary based in Los Angeles, California, Dawn Mills founded CareFiduciary Inc. in 2018, and she continues to manage operations as a professionally licensed fiduciary and certified care manager. In her work with CareFiduciary, she is responsible for the management of $42 million in client assets, with specific roles including conservator of the estate, conservator of the person, administrator of the estate, and successor trustee. Certified by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers, Dawn Mills excels at promoting safety and wellness for senior clients.

Prior to establishing CareFiduciary, she served in similar capacities with the MSSP/Independent Living Power Program and Nancy Wexler Gerontology Associates. She began her career as the outreach coordinator for the Felicia Mahood Senior Multipurpose Center in West Los Angeles, a role that involved promoting senior case management and services among the general public.

Ms. Mills holds a bachelor of science in gerontology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a certificate in fiduciary management from California State University, Fullerton.