1. Internet and Digital Device Usage Statistics
Our daily lives are now very closely related to digital devices. From cell phones, laptops, and smart refrigerators at home to Siri on iPhones, everything people use has become very digital. The advent of artificial intelligence and IoT (Internet of Things) devices has further integrated digital tools into everyday routines. However, the pace of technological advancement often leaves behind specific demographics, particularly older adults.
But not everyone is living their lives to the satisfaction of these digitized times. Everything may be convenient for the younger generation, but for the older generation, it may be a challenge or one that easily inspires frustration. A lack of familiarity with technology and limited digital literacy make it harder for older individuals to engage fully in a connected world. This can lead to feelings of isolation, especially as many services are increasingly accessible only through digital platforms.
The elderly are the fastest-growing class of the entire population. By 2030, it is projected that one in six people globally will be aged 60 years or older, underscoring the importance of addressing their digital inclusion. But these days, they are also the slowest learners. Especially with COVID-19, the digitization of our daily lives has accelerated. Statistics Canada found that 63% of Canadians over the age of 65 use only the basics of digital technology and the Internet, or none at all. This digital divide has implications for access to essential services, including telemedicine, online banking, and virtual social connections.
Currently, researchers have created a facility called Mobile User Experience Laboratory for socially underprivileged people, such as immigrants, the disabled, or the elderly. These technologies work to help the elderly or socially underprivileged not fall behind in digital inclusion and accessibility and not to feel frustrated when using digital services or interactions (Williams, 2022). The lab also focuses on creating user-friendly interfaces and providing training programs tailored to the specific needs of older adults. In addition, older people in the U.S. are highly likely to use digital technology and possess digital devices. According to a survey in the U.S., 59 percent of older people use tablets, 70 percent own smart TVs, and 86 percent own and use smartphones. This growing adoption highlights a willingness to embrace technology when supported by accessible resources and training.
In addition to these devices, other digital devices are also found to use them a lot. Smart speakers, fitness trackers, and home security systems are increasingly popular among older demographics for their convenience and usability. According to the AARP survey, people over the age of 50 are becoming increasingly reluctant to use technology for well-being. About one in five people over the age of 50 also said they have no resistance to using health apps for their own (Brittne Kakulla AARP Research, 2023). Bridging the digital gap for older adults requires not only accessible technology but also targeted education and community support to foster long-term digital inclusion.
- A Case of Alienation of Older People Due to Digital Devices in Daily Life
People living in this era are living in an era where digital technology is prevalent. With digital innovations advancing rapidly, interactions that were once personal and manual have shifted toward automation and self-service. Nowadays, it is increasingly easy to purchase offline products only when you know how to use digital devices rather than face-to-face with people. For example, kiosks in cafes, grocery stores, and airports now replace traditional human service, requiring basic digital literacy to operate.
Things that used to be solved for money, such as ordering food, ordering drinks from a coffee shop, etc., are starting to be complicated by the rapid development of the digital age. Simple tasks, such as placing orders or checking out items, now involve navigating menus on touchscreens or scanning barcodes. This is for efficiency, but will it be effective for generations who are far from digital? Studies have shown that older adults often face barriers, including poor interface design, small text size, and a lack of clear instructions.
A person named Laura has had the experience like this. When she went to a cafe, she saw an old man confused by a message telling her to use a kiosk because there were no staff when she went to the counter. Situations like these are becoming increasingly common as businesses prioritize cost-cutting over inclusive customer service. He does not know how to use a kiosk, and his eyesight is also not good, but he did not bring his glasses because he did not know to encounter such situations, so it would have been more difficult to use digital devices. According to the Journal of Medical Internet Research, poor eyesight and dexterity issues are significant obstacles to older adults effectively using digital technology. So he was going to order a drink from a kiosk, but eventually he gave up ordering the drink and left. Experiences like this highlight how automation can lead to social exclusion for those less familiar with or unable to use digital tools.
Laura realized that these devices were a perfect discrimination against the elderly, not just once. The lack of consideration in design or alternatives for those unable to use such devices often perpetuates this exclusion. But with wages rising and staffing falling short, many stores were getting used to introducing these technologies. Labor shortages, combined with the rising cost of wages, have led many businesses to view automation as the most cost-effective solution. But the elderly may have already become accustomed to being discriminated against a little bit by the digital age. This normalization of exclusion risks further marginalizing older adults, who may already feel alienated in a rapidly evolving digital society.
The problem is that these events don’t just happen in a specific place, but that similar situations appear in a wide range of places, not in a specific place. Research has shown that countries with higher digital adoption rates, such as South Korea and Japan, often see older generations struggle significantly with day-to-day tasks due to technological barriers. Wherever you’re taking it for granted to order by kiosk or tablet, such as at a cafe or grocery store, this problem happens. Public spaces like airports, train stations, and even hospitals increasingly require digital literacy, leaving many older people feeling left out or overwhelmed.
However, this is not to say that not all seniors are familiar with self-checkout machines. Surveys indicate that some older adults have adapted to these technologies when provided with proper support and training. However, without these devices, negative emotions such as frustration, embarrassment, and atrophy would not have been aroused in the seniors (Nagaich, 2022). Inclusive design practices, such as larger text, voice commands, and assistance options, can mitigate these challenges and create a more equitable digital environment for all.
- How to Bridge the Digital Divide Among the Elderly
As digital devices develop day by day and become an integral part of our daily lives, concerns about the digital divide are also increasing for the elderly. The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to and proficiency with modern technology and those who do not, which is particularly pronounced among older adults. Many elderly people feel awkward using digital devices, which can lead to alienation from the modern society where digital devices are a big part of their daily lives. This gap often results in restricted access to essential services like telemedicine, online banking, and virtual social interactions, compounding the challenges faced by the elderly. That is why I will introduce a step that is not difficult for the elderly to implement the digital divide. These steps aim to empower older adults with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the digital age effectively.
The first is to provide accessibility to familiarize yourself with digital technology. Accessibility can be improved by introducing user-friendly devices with simplified interfaces, larger fonts, and voice command features designed for older users. In order to not have had the opportunity to familiarize yourself with digital devices due to having fewer opportunities to deal with them than younger people, we are providing digital device rental programs in cooperation with senior centers in each country or region. For example, programs like “Digital Borrow & Learn” in the U.S. and “Tech Share” in the UK allow seniors to borrow tablets or smartphones for extended periods to practice and learn.
The second is to provide digital device technology education for the elderly so that they can learn how to deal with digital devices. These educational initiatives can range from basic introductions to more advanced training on internet safety and using online services. To set up a digital device help desk for the elderly in cooperation with senior centers in the country or community. Such help desks, as seen in initiatives like Singapore’s Silver Infocomm Junctions, provide one-on-one assistance tailored to the specific needs and learning pace of older adults.
The third is to create a positive impression of digital technology for the change in the perception of digital devices among the elderly. Positive reinforcement can help overcome the fear or mistrust many elderly people have toward technology due to unfamiliarity. Explain what is beneficial to the elderly and have positive effects by using digital devices, educate them, and instill positive awareness. For instance, demonstrating how video calls can help them stay connected with distant family members or how fitness apps can monitor their health can create motivation to learn. It also provides constant encouragement and support for the elderly to learn more about digital devices (Centers and Velarde, 2023). Community programs that celebrate small milestones in tech literacy, such as successfully sending an email or using an app, can boost confidence and foster ongoing learning.
- Conclusion
With the advent of the digital age, technology has become an indispensable part of daily life for most people. However, as digital tools increasingly dominate our routines, the digital divide has also deepened, particularly for older adults who face challenges in adapting to this rapidly changing environment. This divide has led to inequalities in accessing essential services and contributed to feelings of frustration, isolation, and social exclusion among those who are left behind. That is why there has been a need to discuss in more detail how to address the digital divide and its problems in the future (Writers, 2023). Consequently, many companies and governments worldwide have recognized this issue and have begun to prioritize initiatives to bridge the gap.
Efforts to address the digital divide must go beyond surface-level solutions. Programs like digital device rentals and help desks offer seniors practical ways to engage with technology. Inclusive design, featuring larger text, intuitive interfaces, and voice commands, can make tools more accessible. Highlighting personal benefits, such as connecting with family or improving health, can motivate seniors to adopt these tools.
As digital solutions dominate work and home life, addressing the digital divide’s challenges becomes crucial. Bridging this gap requires collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities. By fostering digital literacy, designing inclusive technology, and offering consistent support, society can empower older adults to thrive. These efforts will reduce inequalities and create a more connected, equitable future for everyone.
5. Reference
Brittne Kakulla AARP Research., 2023. 2023 Tech Trends and the 50-plus. [online] AARP. Available at: https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/technology/internet-media-devices/2023-technology-trends-older-adults/ [Accessed 14 December 2024].
Centers, S.F. and Velarde, J., 2023. Senior Citizens and Technology: Closing the Digital Divide. [online] Senior Friendship Centers. Available at: https://friendshipcenters.org/senior-citizens-and-technology-closing-the-digital-divide/ [Accessed 14 December. 2024].
Nagaich, R., 2022. Ageism in the Self-Checkout Lane: How Technology (Plus the Lack of Human Interaction) Leaves Older Adults Behind. [online] Aging Options. Available at: https://agingoptions.com/uncategorized/ageism-in-the-self-checkout-lane-how-technology-plus-the-lack-of-human-interaction-leaves-older-adults-behind/ [Accessed 14 December 2024].
Williams, J., 2022. New research improves digital accessibility for older adults. [online] Brighter World. Available at: https://brighterworld.mcmaster.ca/articles/new-research-improves-digital-accessibility-for-older-adults/ [Accessed 14 December 2024].
Writers, S., 2023. Bridging the Digital Divide. [online] Robert F. Smith. Available at: https://robertsmith.com/blog/bridging-the-digital-divide/ [Accessed 14 December 2024].
