Why the Senior Digital Divide Matters
Why is digital literacy so important for older adults? As our society becomes increasingly reliant on digital communications and technologies, access to basic resources and information will become out of reach for those without the entree and skills to engage with the digital world.
A Pew Research study in 2017 revealed that 1/3 of adults over 65 did not use the internet and over 1/2 of them who did reported that they required assistance to set up and begin using a new device. With the pandemic accelerating use of the internet for critical services from tele-health to grocery orders to connection with family and friends, the stark contrast between those with access and those without became dramatically clear. Social service providers around the country scrambled to deal with a secondary pandemic of loneliness, isolation, and deprivation.
A number of barriers to entry exists for older adults:
Tech design that does not reflect the unique needs of aging
An attitude of ageism that puts a bias against their abilities and the solutions that will best help them
Support with low-cost internet and devices
Hands-on training and timely information on upcoming technological changes
Increasing the motivation of seniors to learn and engage by raising their awareness of how digital access can help meet needs for healthcare, social engagement, and basic services.
At the 2021 World Economic Forum, Dubravka Suica, Vice-President for Democracy and Demography for the European Commission summed it up: "Digital inclusion needs to make participation of all ages technically and practically possible. It also requires older persons to remain open, learn to live and work with digital tools. Like in so many areas, intergenerational support – here from young to old – is fundamental."
Local senior centers, libraries, social service providers and other locations that support our older populations can play a key role in hosting and promoting programs and raising the issue. Advocacy in the corporate and legislative fields also needs focused attention. Families can also gather around their elders and help them bridge the digital divide through hands-on coaching and encouragement.
We are all in this journey together, and before the young know it is happening, they will be the seniors.