New York City – October 21, 2026 -- Older adults in the U.S. can take free live tech classes on Zoom every week through Senior Planet, the flagship program of OATS from AARP. They can also visit one of four physical centers or a licensed partner site.
Free Zoom classes cover stretching, banking and telemedicine
SeniorPlanet.org lists a range of virtual classes each week, taught live by Senior Planet expert trainers. Topics include morning stretch and meditation sessions, online banking, telemedicine, and demos of new and emerging technology. Discussion groups are also on the schedule, built to encourage conversation and lasting friendships.
The site adds self-paced material to support the classes: video tutorials matched to the course books, a Glossary of Tech Terms, quizzes and crossword puzzles. Its articles and interviews challenge traditional portrayals of seniors. Popular picks include columns by sex columnist Joan Price, the Ask the Techspert series, and monthly interviews with older celebrities.
Four technology-themed centers operate across the country
Senior Planet centers are community spaces with a technology theme. They are located in New York City, Plattsburgh (North Country) in New York, Denver, and Miami. The design of every center reflects the idea that something world-changing could be happening at any moment, and that anyone who walks in could be part of it.
The program also has partnership-based, on-the-ground operations in Montgomery County, Maryland; San Antonio, Texas; and Santa Clara County, California. Beyond that, more than 400 licensed partner sites deliver Senior Planet classes through local organizations.
Five impact areas shape every course
Besides multi-week courses, the programming includes lectures, workshops, guest speakers, special events and participant-driven affinity groups. All of it is organized around five areas of life:
- Financial security: digital tools to shop, bank, save money and manage finances, for older adults of all income levels.
- Social engagement: tools for connecting with friends and family and staying active in the community, aimed at combating isolation.
- Creative expression: new platforms and ideas for exploring and sharing creative work digitally.
- Health and wellness: digital health tools plus stretching, cardio and resistance exercises, meant to give participants the confidence to start their own exercise regimen.
- Civic participation: lectures and workshops on digital advocacy, staying engaged in civic life and combating ageism.