Building Digital Equity In a Tech-Focused World

In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, Susan Ryan welcomes Mario Rubano, a passionate advocate for older adults. Mario shares his remarkable journey from a childhood steeped in intergenerational connection to a career that spans music therapy, public health, and systems change in aging services.

In his role as Regional Program Manager at OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) from AARP, Mario is focused on transforming how older adults engage with technology. OATS now has more than 500 partner sites in 37 states through its Senior Planet programming, which seeks to empower older adults to achieve meaningful change in areas like financial security, social connection, creative expression, health, and civic engagement.

In addition to diving into the operations and scale of OATs, Mario shares his vision for a future where older adults are not only tech-savvy but leaders in shaping how technology is used to promote connection, health, and purpose.

He closes with a call to action: explore Senior Planet programs, take a free class, and spread the word about OATS's mission to close the digital divide.

For more information:

OATS from AARP: https://oats.org/

Senior Planet Licensing: https://oats.org/licensing/

Tech Resources for Caregivers: https://seniorplanet.org/caregiving/