AARP in Rural America Pt 1
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. As we get older and begin thinking about what’s really important to us, many in rural America start thinking about things like Social Security and paying for living expenses like food and medicine.
And, AARP’s Sean Voskuhl says living in rural areas has its challenges …
VOSKUHL … “I think there’s a lot of issues affecting rural America. When you think about it, one in five, first time in history, one in five Americans over 65 live in rural areas.”
So rural broadband, Voskuhl says could be key …
VOSKUHL … “There’s been a generational investment in broadband. That’s been excellent. It’s exciting. But we also need to make sure people know how to use that technology.”
Because our kids, Voskuhl says won’t always be there to help …
VOSKUHL … “AARP is investing in rural communities through digital navigators, working with rural libraries to provide those digital literacy skills that people need to stay connected, to fight isolationism, but also to be connected in your community as well as looking for a job or, you know, posting things they want to sell. So, it’s an entrepreneurial aspect too.”
Voskuhl says there are so many potential benefits …
VOSKUHL … “It’s exciting that we have all the build-out for high-speed internet, but we need to make sure people are connected.”
Tune in tomorrow for more on what AARP is doing to help older folks in rural America.
Check out the AARP website for more tips for aging Americans at www.aarp.org
