Some hard-earned lessons from Detroit on how to protect the safety net for community partners in research

To get seniors online, the author provided them with computers and internet access. David Goldman/AP Photo

For the past 10 years, I have worked on closing the communication gaps that keep older adults at arm’s length from research that could improve their lives.

I worked with Detroiters to bridge the digital divide by developing tools that make it easier for older adults to get online, allowing them to connect to health information and learn about benefits they’re eligible for. I have also codesigned projects with members of the community to help improve older residents’ access to services.