Digital Media for Elderly People: Bridging the Digital Divide and Enhancing Inclusion.

 Overcoming the Digital Divide: Seniors and Digital Media

With every passing day, the world continues to go more digital. Entering and living with digital media is an absolute necessity to feel a part of society and mainstream life. When technology becomes almost second nature in younger generations, seniors, and especially those beyond 70, face unique dilemmas in accommodating the digital times. Recent events indicate a further involvement of elders, both developments and the continuing problems.

Use of Digital Media by Seniors

Studies show that online activity among seniors is on the rise. Approximately 64% of seniors use the internet on a daily basis, and an equal number of approximately 55% use social media. Mobile phone use among seniors who are 65 years and older has also gone up such that 61% of American seniors have a smartphone as of 2021. These statistics indicate higher levels of digital activity but with numerous obstacles to be surmounted.

The Social Exclusion and Digital Divide

Even though the development is available, most of the elderly do not have access to technology since they are not digitally literate or well assisted. Tietoevry studies indicated that 64% of the Nordic elderly require support for digital services and 76% of the Finnish elderly require support specifically. Lack of access to online services leads to social isolation since digital solutions have become part of communication, healthcare, and financial management.

The consequences of online interaction extend beyond convenience. Research shows that chronic internet use in adults over the age of 50 is linked with improved mental health, with a 9% reduction in depression symptoms and a 7% increase in life satisfaction. Additionally, AI-based companions such as ChatGPT, Alexa, and Google Assistant have been shown to enhance mental health by reducing loneliness, with 78% of those over the age of 55 experiencing positive impact.

Digital Services for Older People: Are They Accessible?

Some digital services have been developed to cater to the older adult audience, with solutions to enhance accessibility and usability. Some organizations, like Senior Planet from AARP, Cyber-Seniors, and Candoo, offer technology support specifically for seniors, including training, online resources, and individual virtual support. Community initiatives like SeniorSurf in Finland also help to develop digital engagement by planning peer-to-peer digital support programs.

Local programs also help to increase digital literacy. Huron County Health Department and Thumb Cellular, for instance, offer workshops for older adults to educate them on cellphone use and fraud prevention.

Personal Insights: Interview with an Elderly Person

To get a clearer view of seniors' experiences and concerns in the online world, I conducted an interview with an older person. They had a combination of curiosity and apprehension regarding digital services. Although they valued the ease of online banking and video calling relatives, they believed some sites were too complicated to use on their own. Their main issues were privacy, vulnerability to risks, and easier-to-use interfaces that are senior-specific.

Moving Forward: Making Digital Media More Accessible

With increasing technology, there is a need to ensure that the elderly are not left behind. More accessible digital services, better accessibility features, and mass digital education programs can close the digital divide. Intergenerational support and community-based programs will also play a crucial role in making the elderly feel more at home in the digital age.

Through the establishment of a more universal digital realm, we can allow seniors to stay connected, gain access to essential services, and improve their quality of life in an increasingly tech-driven world.

sources :

Zipdo. Technology in Senior Living Statistics.

Pew Trusts. More Screen Time for Seniors.

Tietoevry. Study on Nordic Seniors and Digital Services.

Michigan's Thumb. Huron County Senior Cellphone Literacy.