When digitalLIFT launched virtual digital literacy training during the pandemic, the goal was simple: help older adults stay connected during a time of deep isolation. What we have learned since then is that digital inclusion is not a one-time intervention. It is an ongoing relationship built on trust, community, and continued support.
That is exactly what our Tech Advice Sessions have become.
Today, learners who first joined digitalLIFT programs in 2020 are still participating in weekly Cantonese and Mandarin Q&A sessions led by Patrick Qiu and Vivien Wong. What began as emergency virtual training has evolved into a long-term digital learning community where older adults continue building skills, solving problems together, and gaining confidence with technology.
During the original Home Connect program, Patrick and other instructors offered more than 300 Chinese-speaking learners virtual lessons focused on using Lenovo tablets and basic digital tools. After the formal training ended, participants were invited to stay connected through a WeChat group where they could continue asking questions and supporting one another. Initially around 50 learners joined the group; it has now grown to over 100 learners. And today, 10 to 20 participants still regularly attend ongoing digitalLIFT Tech Advice Sessions in Cantonese and Mandarin.
For many participants, the growth has been transformative.
One learner reflected on their journey: “At the beginning, I didn’t even know how to use a keyboard. Now I’m learning to use AI to help solve everyday problems.”
Another participant explained how digital skills opened the door to continued learning and social engagement: “After learning how to use Zoom, I can now join different online classes remotely and continue learning new knowledge.”
A third learner reflected on the broader impact of the program: “This program has given older adults the opportunity to keep learning digital skills and feel more connected to the world.”
These stories closely mirror findings from recent research conducted by Hyewon Park, whose work explores the long-term impact of digital literacy programs for older adults. Her research highlights how ongoing support, culturally responsive instruction, and language-accessible training environments are critical for sustained engagement among older adults.
Her findings also align with broader research in the field of aging and technology, which shows that older adults benefit most from programs that provide trusted support systems, opportunities for repeated practice, and social connection rather than one-time training alone. Continued engagement has been linked to improved confidence, stronger social participation, and increased willingness to explore newer technologies like AI tools and telehealth platforms.
That continued support is exactly what makes digitalLIFT Tech Advice Sessions unique.
These sessions are not formal lectures. They are welcoming, multilingual spaces where learners can ask questions without fear, troubleshoot devices together, practice new digital skills, and build confidence over time. Participants regularly use Zoom and its features, like chat and “raise hand,” as well as exploring AI tools and supporting one another through peer learning.
Importantly, the sessions also demonstrate that older adults are not resistant to technology. Given the right support, they are eager to continue learning and adapting.
What started as a pandemic response has become something much more meaningful: a sustained digital community where older adults continue learning, connecting, and growing years later. For digitalLIFT, that is the real measure of success.
If your organization serves older adults and is looking to strengthen or expand your digital inclusion efforts, we would love to partner with you. Whether you are building a new program, supporting multilingual communities, or looking for ways to provide ongoing tech support for older adults, digitalLIFT can help. Contact us to learn how we can work together to create sustainable, community-centered digital inclusion programs that truly meet the needs of older adults.
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