Looking Forward to Mondays with Tom Kamber
Each year, we ask Tom Kamber, Executive Director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP to offer his thoughts on the year in Senior Planet. Here’s his report.
Dear Friends:
Who looks forward to Mondays?
Every Monday, in Plattsburgh, New York, the Senior Planet Fiber Arts and Crochet Circle gathers. This group, though less than a year old, has blossomed into a vibrant community where creativity and social connections thrive. Members look out for one another, creating a supportive environment.
When asked how this new group and Senior Planet have impacted her life, participant Mary, 71, responded with enthusiasm: “Who looks forward to Mondays? I do.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of what makes the Senior Planet community so special.
Our collective mission extends beyond just learning to use email or attending online fitness classes; it’s about leveraging technology to unite older adults and enhance our daily lives.
Embracing the Possibilities
The remarkable growth and success of Senior Planet over the past year would not have been possible without the support of individuals like you. Your open-mindedness in classes and willingness to embrace the potential of technology for seniors has been invaluable.
Here are some of the significant accomplishments from the past year, made possible by Senior Planet participants:
- Older adults engaged with Senior Planet programming over 800,000 times.
- We achieved over 1 million views on YouTube! This includes thousands who watched our 27 new educational videos, featuring a series on iOS 26.
- The Senior Planet Hotline managed over 40,000 phone calls.
- We saw a 37% increase in listeners to our Aging Rewired podcast, bringing our total to over 18,000 all-time listeners.
- A 101-year-old World War II veteran participated in his first online morning stretch class, which now averages over 689 participants daily.
- 41 new Senior Planet programs were launched, including the Smart Steps to Small Business Success lecture series and Gentle Kung Fu.
- 79 new partner sites were onboarded through our national licensing program, engaging older adults over 46,000 times.
- And so much more!
Each year, more older adults gain access to essential resources through Senior Planet. Our Aging Connected 2025 report revealed that while the digital divide is narrowing, 32% of older adults still lack access to broadband internet at home. We are committed to raising awareness about this gap to ensure that all older adults can connect with the tools and resources that simplify their daily tasks.
The good news is that 2025 was our most successful year yet. With the passion and dedication of community members like you, I am confident that 2026 will be even more impactful.
As we step into the new year, I hope you feel as refreshed and excited about what lies ahead as I do. Especially the Mondays!
With eternal gratitude,
Tom Kamber
Executive Director,
Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP
Tom Kamber is the executive director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Senior Planet from AARP. He is a leading expert on aging and technology and is regularly featured in national media.
P.S. If you would like to support Senior Planet’s free programming for older adults before the year is out, you can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Each year, we ask Tom Kamber, Executive Director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP to offer his thoughts on the year in Senior Planet. Here’s his report.
Dear Friends:
Who looks forward to Mondays?
Every Monday, in Plattsburgh, New York, the Senior Planet Fiber Arts and Crochet Circle gathers. This group, though less than a year old, has blossomed into a vibrant community where creativity and social connections thrive. Members look out for one another, creating a supportive environment.
When asked how this new group and Senior Planet have impacted her life, participant Mary, 71, responded with enthusiasm: “Who looks forward to Mondays? I do.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of what makes the Senior Planet community so special.
Our collective mission extends beyond just learning to use email or attending online fitness classes; it’s about leveraging technology to unite older adults and enhance our daily lives.
Embracing the Possibilities
The remarkable growth and success of Senior Planet over the past year would not have been possible without the support of individuals like you. Your open-mindedness in classes and willingness to embrace the potential of technology for seniors has been invaluable.
Here are some of the significant accomplishments from the past year, made possible by Senior Planet participants:
- Older adults engaged with Senior Planet programming over 800,000 times.
- We achieved over 1 million views on YouTube! This includes thousands who watched our 27 new educational videos, featuring a series on iOS 26.
- The Senior Planet Hotline managed over 40,000 phone calls.
- We saw a 37% increase in listeners to our Aging Rewired podcast, bringing our total to over 18,000 all-time listeners.
- A 101-year-old World War II veteran participated in his first online morning stretch class, which now averages over 689 participants daily.
- 41 new Senior Planet programs were launched, including the Smart Steps to Small Business Success lecture series and Gentle Kung Fu.
- 79 new partner sites were onboarded through our national licensing program, engaging older adults over 46,000 times.
- And so much more!
Each year, more older adults gain access to essential resources through Senior Planet. Our Aging Connected 2025 report revealed that while the digital divide is narrowing, 32% of older adults still lack access to broadband internet at home. We are committed to raising awareness about this gap to ensure that all older adults can connect with the tools and resources that simplify their daily tasks.
The good news is that 2025 was our most successful year yet. With the passion and dedication of community members like you, I am confident that 2026 will be even more impactful.
As we step into the new year, I hope you feel as refreshed and excited about what lies ahead as I do. Especially the Mondays!
With eternal gratitude,
Tom Kamber
Executive Director,
Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP
Tom Kamber is the executive director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Senior Planet from AARP. He is a leading expert on aging and technology and is regularly featured in national media.
P.S. If you would like to support Senior Planet’s free programming for older adults before the year is out, you can make a tax-deductible donation here.
