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For most older adults, good health and financial wellness ensures independence, security, and the ability to afford a longer life. Discover tools and resources to improve quality of life and tips to make the most of your money.
Improving the lives of older adults, especially those who are struggling, is not just your job–it’s at your core. Gain your inspiration here and find NCOA tools, tips, and resources to help improve your delivery and service.
We believe every person deserves to age well, regardless of their background. Learn more about the work we do, the people we serve, and why aging well matters now more than ever.
Help us build a more just and caring society in which each of us, as we age, lives with dignity, purpose, and security. Explore how to support our mission, partner with us, and advocate on behalf of older adults.
For most older adults, good health and financial wellness ensures independence, security, and the ability to afford a longer life. Discover tools and resources to improve quality of life and tips to make the most of your money.
Improving the lives of older adults, especially those who are struggling, is not just your job–it’s at your core. Gain your inspiration here and find NCOA tools, tips, and resources to help improve your delivery and service.
We believe every person deserves to age well, regardless of their background. Learn more about the work we do, the people we serve, and why aging well matters now more than ever.
Help us build a more just and caring society in which each of us, as we age, lives with dignity, purpose, and security. Explore how to support our mission, partner with us, and advocate on behalf of older adults.
For more information on what this means and how we use your data, please see our Privacy Policy.
7 min read
Listing up-to-date technology skills on your resume will help you stand out to employers.
Strengthening your computer literacy can also open doors to a rewarding new career in the tech industry.
Explore free and low-cost training resources available to help you build your technical proficiency.
To compete in today’s job market, it’s important to stay current in the technology used in your field. If you’re applying to office jobs, for example, being comfortable with tools like Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and generative AI (artificial intelligence) is a must.
According to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2025, over the next five years, technology skills will become more important than any other type of skill—especially AI and big data, along with networking, cybersecurity, and digital literacy.
Having technical and computer skills on your resume will help you stand out to employers who rely on digital tools to run their business. Strengthening your technical skills can also open doors to a fulfilling new career in the tech industry. Tomorrow is all about technology. According to CompTIA, in the next 10 years, the "tech workforce will grow twice as fast as the overall U.S. workforce."1
The idea of mastering the latest technologies can be intimidating. But you’re never “too old” to learn something new. If you’re comfortable with a computer and the internet, there are training resources available to help you build your technical skills and confidence. Many of them are free. Whether you’re a technology newbie or you’ve worked in the tech industry before, upskilling—learning additional workplace skills—can prepare you for something bigger and better.
1. Coursera
Coursera partners with 275+ universities and companies to offer 2,500+ free online courses. In addition to no-cost training, this online platform offers enhanced content (Coursera Plus) for $59 a month (or pay $399 annually). This content can help you learn a specific skill that’s in demand. You can also earn a professional certificate that proves to potential employers you have the know-how required to do a job. Certificates offered by Coursera range from Machine Learning Engineer and Data Science to Digital Marketing Specialist and Content Creator.
Coursera also connects you with flexible degree programs that can help you start or finish a career-boosting credential. Explore their offerings now.
2. IBM SkillsBuild
Through free online training programs, IBM SkillsBuild helps older adults gain the skills and digital credentials needed to pursue an entry-level job in technology. SkillsBuild courses focus on some of the fastest-growing technology fields and include:
IBM’s courses are free to anyone, user-friendly, and designed for adult learners. Once you complete a course, you’ll earn a digital credential you can add to your resume. To sign up:
You can also browse the SkillsBuild website to find a technology learning pathway that sparks your interest.
3. Codeacademy
Codeacademy offers no-cost coding classes in 12 programming and markup languages, including JavaScript, Python, and Ruby. With a Basic plan, some courses are free, allowing you to get hands-on experience and see what interests you. If you decide you want more in-depth training, you can sign up for a Codeacademy Pro plan at $19.99 per month. This gives you greater access to hands-on coding projects, interview prep, and assessments. Visit the Codeacademy website to see which plan is right for you.
4. AT&T Connected Learning®
NCOA is collaborating with AT&T to increase digital literacy for older adults through free, online courses. AT&T's curriculum covers everything from technology basics to online safety, including tips to recognize and avoid fraud and scams. Whether you're new to computers or mobile devices, haven’t used them for a while, or just need a refresher, AT&T's Connect Learning® can help you master the fundamentals and build confidence using technology.
5. Microsoft 365 Training Center
The Microsoft 365 Training Center offers user-friendly written tutorials and how-to videos for all programs in the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. These tutorials are broken down into separate tasks to make the learning process more digestible. To get started, check out the Training Center and choose the Microsoft application you want to know more about.
6. Udemy
Udemy offers a mix of free courses and paid courses that start as low as $9.99 during special sale events. Users can choose from 26,000+ on-demand courses in areas like generative AI, web development, data science, and digital marketing. Signing up for a Personal Plan (starting at $14 per month) gives you expanded access to thousands of courses as well as practice exercises to keep your skills sharp. See Udemy.com to explore course topics by category.
In addition to formal classes and training, there are everyday steps you can take to enhance your technical skill set and keep it continually up to date. These include:
1. The State of the Tech Workforce (March 2024), CompTIA. Found on the internet at https://www.comptia.org/content/research/state-of-the-tech-workforce
Looking for a job that matches your skills and values? Explore a free, online course that helps you create a standout resume, build a strong professional profile, and confidently prepare for interviews—so you can connect with the right opportunities faster.
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© 2026 National Council on Aging, Inc.