Used to keep in touch, to cultivate and entertain ourselves, to go through procedures and make purchases online, digital technology is everywhere in people’s lives. We use the Internet to fill in our tax forms, take care of administrative formalities and so on. Digital technology has also become essential for healthcare, with online appointments, teleconsultations and the sharing of medical data. What’s more, there are more and more connected objects: televisions can be used for streaming platforms, and smartphones and tablets are full of applications and social networks.
However, all these digital developments raise a number of questions: are senior citizens sufficiently equipped with the tools they need? Do they have the digital skills they need to do things online? Do they even want to be on a computer or smartphone? How can the most digitally isolated be helped?
The digital divide remains important among older persons due to various factors: a lack of equipment or a lack of Internet connection, the difficulty to handle such tools that are considered too complicated, a financial barrier, a distrust regarding the Internet and the fear of being hacked, or a simple lack of interest regarding new technologies.
However, digital technology can also become a vector for social links and a means of keeping in touch: senior citizens can use the Internet to maintain links with their nearest and dearest. They can also do their shopping online, send emails, apply for social benefits and so on. All these possibilities promote their independence and social links, and help them to develop their self-confidence.
To combat this digital divide and the resulting isolation, here are a few suggestions:
Raising digital awareness among senior citizens with the help of peers and beloved ones or with the involvement of external structures like town halls, mutual insurance companies or associations that organize dedicated ICT workshops.
Making technology more user-friendly: on tablets and smartphones, you can change the font size, zoom in on your photos, adjust the brightness of your screen, and so on. While ergonomics have already been simplified, there is still a long way to go. Older people can have several disabilities (visual, hearing, motor, cognitive) and accessibility is not always guaranteed. Tools and sites should make accessibility a priority.
Improving financial accessibility: When it comes to buying hardware (smartphones, tablets, computers, etc.), refurbished and second-hand products offer attractive prices for tools that are often of good quality. Other ideas also exist, including the idea of companies donating IT equipment they no longer use, or operators offering a social rate on Internet subscriptions.