Loneliness and social isolation can weigh heavily – especially around holidays or special occasions, when connection feels top of mind. The good news is that more older adults are embracing technology to build relationships in ways that fit their lives: making new friends, reconnecting with loved ones, and even exploring online dating. With the right guidance, the internet can be more than a tool—it can be a bridge back to community.

That’s why AT&T, alongside trusted partners including the National Council on Aging, Cyber- Seniors, and OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) by AARP, supports digital literacy workshops designed to help older adults connect with confidence. In these hands-on sessions, participants learn practical skills for “making meaningful connections online,” from creating a compelling profile to communicating in a way that invites conversation. The focus is simple: be truthful and clear about what you’re looking for, keep your tone positive, and share interests that help others get to know the real you.

Recently, in workshops held in St. Louis and Chicago, older adults practiced these connection-building skills in a supportive, step-by-step setting. Participants learned how to use everyday tools—like Facebook, messaging apps, and video chat—to stay in touch with family, reconnect with old friends, and meet new people who share their interests. Many also worked through real-life scenarios, like how to send a friendly first message, how to respond when a conversation feels awkward, and how to move from online conversation to a safe, comfortable next step (like a phone call or video chat).