High-Speed Internet - Age 65+  in Florida

Florida

High-speed or broadband internet is an important resource for work, education and effective communication. The United Nations recognizes access to the internet as a human right, citing its importance for social and economic development. Researchers have also identified access to high-speed internet as a social determinant of health. Many essential services require an internet connection, including telemedicine and telehealth, which have become increasingly common since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Older adults can benefit from broadband access in other ways, as it facilitates social connectedness and enables access to news, information and essential services. Some studies have found that technology such as smartphones and social networking sites may help combat loneliness among older adults. Despite its necessity, barriers to accessing high-speed internet remain, including cost and insufficient infrastructure.

Populations of older adults more likely to lack high-speed internet access include:

• Latino and Black older adults compared with white older adults.
• Older adults with less than a high school degree compared with those who have higher levels of education.
• Older adults with an annual household income less than $25,000 compared with those who have higher incomes. 
• Older adults living in rural areas compared with those in urban areas. 
• Adults age 75 and older compared with those ages 65-74. 

State policies and strategies to improve broadband internet access include:

• Providing financial support and incentives for organizations and companies working to expand access to high-speed internet services. 
• Increasing access to publicly owned infrastructure that supports the expansion of high-speed internet services. 
• Establishing a state broadband office dedicated to implementing and managing these programs and funding initiatives.

The most significant barriers to accessing high-speed internet at home are cost and lack of digital skills. The National Council on Aging lists several organizations and resources that provide internet services and technology education for older adults. AARP also highlights programs available to help older adults access and use the internet. For example, the Aging Connected program helps older adults find low-cost internet options and the Senior Planet program offers free online technology classes. 

Healthy People 2030 has an objective to increase the proportion of adults with broadband internet access.

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Anderson, Monica. Mobile Technology and Home Broadband 2019. Pew Research Center, June 13, 2019. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/06/13/mobile-technology-and-home-broadband-2019/.

Bauerly, Brittney Crock, Russell F. McCord, Rachel Hulkower, and Dawn Pepin. “Broadband Access as a Public Health Issue: The Role of Law in Expanding Broadband Access and Connecting Underserved Communities for Better Health Outcomes.” The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics 47, no. S2 (June 2019): 39–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073110519857314.

de Wit, Kathryn. How State Policy Shapes Broadband Deployment. Issue Brief. Pew Research Center, December 17, 2019. https://pew.org/2tr3DYp.

Early, Jody, and Alyssa Hernandez. “Digital Disenfranchisement and COVID-19: Broadband Internet Access as a Social Determinant of Health.” Health Promotion Practice 22, no. 5 (September 1, 2021): 605–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248399211014490.

Julien, Howard M., Lauren A. Eberly, and Srinath Adusumalli. “Telemedicine and the Forgotten America.” Circulation 142, no. 4 (July 28, 2020): 312–14. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.048535.

Lee, Euny C., Violanda Grigorescu, Idia Enogieru, Scott R. Smith, Lok Wong Samson, Ann B. Conmy, and Nancy De Lew. Updated National Survey Trends in Telehealth Utilization and Modality (2021-2022). Issue Brief No. HP-2023-09. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, April 2023. https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/7d6b4989431f4c70144f209622975116/household-pulse-survey-telehealth-covid-ib.pdf.

Older Adults Technology Services, Inc. Aging Connected 2025: Findings, Insights and Implications, October 6, 2025. https://oats.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/OATS-Aging-Connected-2025-Report-FINAL_Digital.pdf.

Older Adults Technology Services, Inc. Aging Connected: Exposing the Hidden Connectivity Crisis for Older Adults, January 27, 2021. https://agingconnected.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Aging-Connected_Exposing-the-Hidden-Connectivity-Crisis-for-Older-Adults.pdf.

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Suran, Melissa. “Increased Use of Medicare Telehealth During the Pandemic.” JAMA 327, no. 4 (January 25, 2022): 313. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.23332.

Yu, Kexin, Shinyi Wu, and Iris Chi. “Internet Use and Loneliness of Older Adults Over Time: The Mediating Effect of Social Contact.” Edited by Deborah Carr. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 76, no. 3 (February 17, 2021): 541–50.https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbaa004.