How much have people 60 and older started or increased using technology and digital tools in order to deal with the pandemic? That’s a question that was put to 615 Americans by Senior List, an online (seniorlist.com) research team that provides consumer information for older adults. Among other things, researchers said, that COVID-19 continues to spur the use of ordering groceries online for home deliveries, as well as other online activities in place of routines that previously were handled in person or at workplaces.

Dennis Cobourn, 82, is a longtime aviation buff. He graduated from college with a degree in aerospace engineering, and went on to work on space launch vehicles and Boeing airliners. And this summer, his interests went airborne in another way, one that was a lifelong ambition: Skydiving. “It was scary, exciting and exhilarating. I’m so glad I did it,” he said after taking the plunge and joining other octogenarians and up who’ve parachuted.

Florence Rigney is finally doing something at least close to what she never wanted to do: Sit. “SeeSee,” as she’s known by her friends and co-workers, has retired at the age of 96 from a career that began more than 70 years ago and ended with her being the oldest working nurse in America. “I don’t like to sit around – I’ve always got to have something to do. That’s my nature,” said Rigney, whose last day with MultiCare Health System was July 16.

So what are you? That was the question a survey set out to answer by asking 600 older adults how they want to be thought of and referred to. There’s some debate on how society should describe the 55-and-older population, but there’s no consensus. From politics to the pandemic, when older adults come up in discussions of pressing issues, they’re labeled in ways that range from traditional (senior citizens) to respectful (mature adults) to Boomer. The survey found they prefer positive labels and to be seen as integral parts of society.