I was at the library getting some documents printed. As I was scanning the QR code (the “straightforward” way of sharing my documents), I overheard a conversation from a couple of older ladies who must have been around 70 years old.
The main phrase I caught was: “I’m not sure how to carry out daily tasks; things are not made for us anymore.” In a post-pandemic world, many of us find that everything is easier to access. Tasks have become increasingly digital, simplifying daily routines. But what about those who are not as accustomed to technology as we are? How does this shift impact older generations, and is it something we are even addressing?
When a portion of the population is unable to use the internet in ways necessary to participate fully in modern society, they are experiencing digital exclusion. A study conducted in the UK indicates that one in three over-65s lack basic internet skills. Furthermore, analysis by Age UK shows that among those over-65s who are online, around 2.5 million are unable to complete tasks required to thrive in our day-to-day digital society. In China, the number of older adults affected by digital exclusion rises to 97.1%, according to BMC Geriatrics.
The Increasingly Digital Post-Covid World
During the pandemic, online solutions surged, leaving those without tech skills unable to access critical services and perform basic, everyday tasks. For example, a study done in Spain reveals that while 41% of the population over 75 in the country use the internet for communication purposes (Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.), only 21% are able to use online banking services.
The increasing digitization of services, from online health services to online banking, has marginalized older adults, making independence more difficult than ever before. A study conducted with older adults found a substantial correlation between digital exclusion and functional dependence, which has been linked to cognitive impairment and, in some cases, even contributed to depression and anxiety.
Proactive Solutions Necessary to Ensure Inclusivity
Addressing this issue will require action and public awareness. Free or low-cost workshops can empower older adults with essential digital skills. Libraries and community centers have proven effective in such initiatives, and in Japan, many mobile carriers provide workshops and assistance for their senior users. Continuing to maintain non-digital alternatives, such as phone support and in-person banking, ensures that all customers will be able to preserve their autonomy (and prevent cognitive impairment) while the digital transition is being made. By designing user-friendly and accessible systems, companies can make technology more inclusive for older generations as well.
Intersections of Digital Exclusion
In a society that tends to dismiss older generations, it is fundamental that we advocate for policies that ensure inclusion. Digital exclusion is a growing problem that affects numerous populations, such as people who live in rural areas, people with disabilities, people who live in poverty and many more. Addressing digital exclusion is not only a technological challenge but also a societal imperative. By implementing these measures, we can build a more inclusive future that leaves no one behind.
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