At the age of 85, Jim Wells never imagined using a smartphone for his banking, shopping and healthcare needs. But, in collaboration with Verizon Wireless, he does just that, thanks to the free classes offered by AARP's Senior Planet Program.
CBS 
“It's almost everything I learned about my phone,” Wells said with a laugh.
The class, held at Denver's Senior Planet Center, is designed to help build more than 60 digital skills, understand new technologies such as artificial intelligence, and protect your personal information.
“I love it, but it's still scary,” said Judy Telepp, another participant. “I love the wallet, my ID and the fact that I can do everything (my phone), so I don't have to carry anything, but that's scary.”
The senior citizen programme provides practical guidance for patients in a supportive environment.
“We use technology as a tool for empowerment,” Dayton Romero said, AARP. “It's important that they have the tools and confidence to navigate keen eyes that recognize these types of things, especially something that gets hurt or misused.”
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That perception is becoming more and more important. Americans filed fraud complaints last year with more than 2.6 million people losing nearly $5 billion in fraud, according to a 2025 report from the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. More than 73,000 of these complaints have been filed in Colorado, and many of these schemes are now driven by artificial intelligence and digital spoofing.
“I'm not immune,” Wells said, “But I'm going to make it very difficult for them to get to me.”
All classes in Denver in October are currently packed, but seniors can access free online resources at senionplanet.org/digital-wellness, including virtual classes and on-demand tutorials.
For personalized support, the Senior Planet Hotline is available free of charge at 888-713-3495. The hotline provides free technical help and answer questions about advanced planetary programs. To learn more or explore upcoming classes, visit sinerplanet.org.
