The prepaid, no-contract MVNO Tracfone (which runs on Verizon's network) does not want anybody to be left behind and is now assisting older adults and people over 50 with smartphones and AI usage.
The fundamentals: privacy and data protection
Image by AARP
Tracfone has partnered with Older Adults Technology Services, a charitable affiliate of AARP, to support programs that help seniors build digital skills. As part of this effort, Senior Planet from AARP will offer resources aimed at boosting older adults' confidence in using technology.
We're proud to work with OATS to support older adults as they master the technology skills they need to feel more connected. We know our consumers turn to us for reliable and simple service, which is why teaming up with OATS on its Digital Wellness Workshops felt natural to build upon our brand's ethos and mission.
– Nancy Clark, President of Verizon Value, November 2025
The initiative begins with three free digital wellness workshops taking place in Plattsburgh, New York; Miami, Florida; and Denver, Colorado, plus an online session on November 6. These workshops will introduce topics such as smartphone basics, AI tools and features, privacy settings, data protection and ways to stay connected with family and friends.
The majority needs some assistance
Not so long ago, the AARP nonprofit (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons) released a survey on tech trends among adults of age 50+. Even as more adults become aware of artificial intelligence and start using it, many still want reassurance before fully embracing a new technology.
Older adults, in particular, have long felt that tech products are not created with their needs in mind. However, this view appears to be gradually shifting, as the share of older adults who felt overlooked in 2023 was 64%, compared to 59% in 2024.
The right step
There are about a billion memes about the moment your grandma gets a new smartphone for Christmas and you have to help her set it up and use it. Yes, the process could be irritating, but it's essential: after all, smartphones can be really complex and Big Tech is evolving so rapidly that it's hard to keep up with the pace – even for younger people, let alone older adults.
So, be a good sport and help those in need. Also, you can introduce them to Tracfone's initiatives.
Sebastian, a veteran of a tech writer with over 15 years of experience in media and marketing, blends his lifelong fascination with writing and technology to provide valuable insights into the realm of mobile devices. Embracing the evolution from PCs to smartphones, he harbors a special appreciation for the Google Pixel line due to their superior camera capabilities. Known for his engaging storytelling style, sprinkled with rich literary and film references, Sebastian critically explores the impact of technology on society, while also perpetually seeking out the next great tech deal, making him a distinct and relatable voice in the tech world.
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