CLEVELAND — Senior citizens consistently use technology less than the general public, according to Pew Research Center.

What You Need To Know

  • There is a digital divide between younger and older Americans 

  • Cuyahoga Metropilitan Housing Authority (CMHA) is working to close that gap 

  • CMHA offers a free digital learning class to seniors 

While more people are becoming digitally connected, there is still a notable digital divide between younger and older Americans.

This is why the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority is working to connect seniors to the internet through a digital learning class. 

One participant in this class was Oscar Lawrence. 

Lawrence learned the basics of how to use a computer and typing. 

“It feels like I’m on the same level as everyone in the world," Lawrence explained. "I can go to school with this computer and I can learn anything I want to.” 

With his new-found computer literacy knowledge, Lawrence enjoys learning about other parts of the world and even outer space. 

“Now I can look into Japan, Vietnam, Russia,” he exclaimed. 

Lawrence and the rest of his classmates were all gifted a personal computer through a grant, and this allows them to stay digitally connected. 

The 83 year old is now able to keep up with all thirteen of his grandchildren online. 

He hopes that other people his age will also have the opportunity to learn about technology.​ 

“I think everybody should learn about computers," he said. "Everybody our age because it is a connection between my age and the younger people.”