October 6, 2025 - WASHINGTON - A new survey from Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP reveals that nearly two-thirds of adults aged 50-plus have not saved critical documents digitally, and more than 60% say they either don’t know how or haven’t gotten around to it.

To help close the gap, OATS today announced its 2025 Digital House Cleaning Challenge, a free five-day challenge through its flagship program Senior Planet designed to help older adults take control of their digital lives.The challenge provides simple, step-by-step guidance on topics like privacy settings, passwords, social media, document digitization, and digital vaults.

“Cleaning up isn’t just for closets; our digital lives need attention, too,” said 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 follows recent survey findings highlighting that many older adults still face challenges with digital organization. According to the survey:

• Nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults 50-plus have not saved important documents digitally.
• More than 60% say they either don’t know how or simply haven’t gotten around to digitizing key files.
• Only one-third of computer users rely on a password manager to keep their accounts secure.

The 5-Day Challenge includes:

• 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 set up with personal information in mind.
• Day 4: Digital Documents – Scan and digitize important documents.
• Day 5: Secure Storage – Set up a digital vault to secure 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 task. 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

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About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 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.

Source: AARP