AARP’s OATS Launches Free 5-Day Digital Decluttering Challenge

WASHINGTON—A recent survey conducted by Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP has revealed a concerning trend: nearly two-thirds of adults aged 50 and older have not saved critical documents digitally. Additionally, over 60% of respondents indicated they either don’t know how to digitize these documents or simply haven’t found the time to do so.

In response to this pressing issue, OATS has launched the 2025 Digital House Cleaning Challenge. This free, five-day initiative is part of its flagship program, Senior Planet, and aims to empower older adults to take control of their digital lives. The challenge offers straightforward, step-by-step guidance on essential topics such as privacy settings, password management, social media, document digitization, and secure digital storage.

“Cleaning up isn’t just for closets; our digital lives need attention, too,” stated Tom Kamber, Executive Director of Older Adults Technology Services from AARP. “Our Digital House Cleaning Challenge makes it simple to take meaningful steps toward greater security and convenience. With just a few minutes each day, participants can finally tackle those digital tasks they’ve been putting off and gain more control of their online lives.”

The challenge comes at a crucial time, as many older adults continue to struggle with digital organization. The survey findings highlight several key statistics:

• Nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults aged 50 and older have not saved important documents digitally.
• More than 60% report that they either don’t know how to digitize key files or haven’t gotten around to it.
• Only one-third of computer users utilize a password manager to secure their accounts.

The 5-Day Challenge is structured as follows:

• Day 1: Privacy Settings on Your Phone – Review and limit what personal data apps can access.
• Day 2: Password Managers – Set up and secure accounts across devices using a password manager.
• Day 3: Social Media Settings – Ensure privacy settings are configured with personal information in mind.
• Day 4: Digital Documents – Scan and digitize important documents.
• Day 5: Secure Storage – Set up a digital vault to protect sensitive files and information.

Older adults can participate in the challenge through the Senior Planet website or sign up to receive emails that include live and on-demand resources, tutorials, and a checklist to guide them through each day’s tasks. The challenge is free and open to anyone looking to simplify and secure their digital life.

For more information and to sign up for the Digital House Cleaning Challenge, visit www.seniorplanet.org/digitalhousecleaning.

About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans aged 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español, or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol, and @AARPadvocates on social media.

WASHINGTON—A recent survey conducted by Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP has revealed a concerning trend: nearly two-thirds of adults aged 50 and older have not saved critical documents digitally. Additionally, over 60% of respondents indicated they either don’t know how to digitize these documents or simply haven’t found the time to do so.

In response to this pressing issue, OATS has launched the 2025 Digital House Cleaning Challenge. This free, five-day initiative is part of its flagship program, Senior Planet, and aims to empower older adults to take control of their digital lives. The challenge offers straightforward, step-by-step guidance on essential topics such as privacy settings, password management, social media, document digitization, and secure digital storage.

“Cleaning up isn’t just for closets; our digital lives need attention, too,” stated Tom Kamber, Executive Director of Older Adults Technology Services from AARP. “Our Digital House Cleaning Challenge makes it simple to take meaningful steps toward greater security and convenience. With just a few minutes each day, participants can finally tackle those digital tasks they’ve been putting off and gain more control of their online lives.”

The challenge comes at a crucial time, as many older adults continue to struggle with digital organization. The survey findings highlight several key statistics:

• Nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults aged 50 and older have not saved important documents digitally.
• More than 60% report that they either don’t know how to digitize key files or haven’t gotten around to it.
• Only one-third of computer users utilize a password manager to secure their accounts.

The 5-Day Challenge is structured as follows:

• Day 1: Privacy Settings on Your Phone – Review and limit what personal data apps can access.
• Day 2: Password Managers – Set up and secure accounts across devices using a password manager.
• Day 3: Social Media Settings – Ensure privacy settings are configured with personal information in mind.
• Day 4: Digital Documents – Scan and digitize important documents.
• Day 5: Secure Storage – Set up a digital vault to protect sensitive files and information.

Older adults can participate in the challenge through the Senior Planet website or sign up to receive emails that include live and on-demand resources, tutorials, and a checklist to guide them through each day’s tasks. The challenge is free and open to anyone looking to simplify and secure their digital life.

For more information and to sign up for the Digital House Cleaning Challenge, visit www.seniorplanet.org/digitalhousecleaning.

About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans aged 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español, or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol, and @AARPadvocates on social media.