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Showing posts from March, 2025
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  Blog Theme 5: Digital Media for Elderly People   Statistics of Elderly People Using Digital Media Digital media usage among elderly people has been steadily increasing in recent years, although there is still a notable gap compared to younger generations. According to a report from Eurostat (2020), approximately 61% of people aged 65 to 74 in the EU have used the internet, compared to just 31% in 2010. The numbers continue to rise, showing that older adults are gradually embracing digital tools and services. However, there’s a digital divide, and a significant portion of seniors still find it difficult to navigate digital environments. In fact, research from the Pew Research Centre shows that about 40% of Americans aged 65 and older do not use the internet at all, while those who do tend to stick to simple tasks like browsing or emailing. This divide is often linked to factors such as limited technological skills, lack of access, and concerns about privacy or securi...

Theme 5 - Digital Media for Elderly People

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Digital Media for Elderly People  This blog post deals with the topic of digital media from the perspective of elderly people. Will the elderly be left out of everything as a result of digital media? How is digital media affecting to elderly people life?  "How am I supposed to cope with this?"  "I can not reach services and help as I would like to"  "Where can I get help with digital media?"  This interesting picture shows us data of elderly people (65-74) using internet in 2020 (for 3 months) in different countries. Finland is one of the highest next to other Scandinavian countries. What do you think, why Scandinavian countries are having highest scores in this? Share your thoughts in comments!   Services offered for elderly people online  Digital media offers services for all of us. Elderly people can also benefit from it. Healthcare services provide online doctor consultations and medication reminders. Elderly people can have some problems with...
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 Theme 5 - Helping Seniors Thrive in the Digital World In today's fast-paced digital age, staying connected online is more important than ever. But for many elderly people , especially those over 70 , the digital world can feel overwhelming and out of reach. This blog explores challengers seniors face with technology, the tools and services that can help, and the personal stories that remind us why bridging the digital gap matters so much. The digital divide  Technology has changed the way we live. From video calls with loved ones to online banking now digital tools has become a part of our lifes. Studies shows that 67% of adults aged over 65 in U.S. use internet, only 45% of those over 75% do. In Europe the numbers are similar, with just 54% of people aged 65-74 regularly going online. For seniors who are work with technology, this digital divide can lead to feeling of isolation. Imagine if some one cannot log into online banking or even book a doctor's appoinment without hel...
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 Theme 4 - The digital Revolution in addiction support - (adult work in digital media environment) In today's digital era, technology is transforming social work, including substance abuse support. Online interventions, mobile apps, virtual therapy, AI driven chatbots have become helpful for professionals to assist people struggling with addiction. This blog elaborates Finnish and International examples of digital addiction support. Finnish innovation and addiction supports in digital 1.A-Clinic Foundation and E-Substance Abuse Services -  The  A-Clinic Foundation  in Finland provides extensive digital support through its online services, including: Päihdelinkki (Substance Link) - An online platform offering self-assessment tools, educational content, peer support forums, and professional guidance.  https://www.paihdelinkki.fi E-Therapy Programs - Online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) modules helping individuals manage alcohol and drug use. Chat and he...

Bridging the Digital Divide: Seniors and Digital Media

  In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the integration of technology into daily life has become almost ubiquitous. However, a significant portion of our population—seniors aged 70 and above—often find themselves on the periphery of this digital revolution.   This blog delves into the current statistics of digital media usage among the elderly, explores the implications of the digital divide, examines the accessibility of online services for seniors, and shares personal insights from an interview with an elderly individual. ​ 1. Digital Media Usage Among Seniors The digital divide, defined as the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not, is particularly pronounced among older adults.   Factors contributing to this divide include age-related cognitive changes, lack of digital literacy, and limited access to technology.  ​ 2. The Digital Divide and Social Inclusion The digital divide extends beyo...
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  How to Do Adult Social Work in a Digital Media Environment: A Focus on Rehabilitative Work Activities Introduction In the developed world of social work, the integration of digital media has opened new ways for support, rehabilitation and dedication. With the increase in digital devices, sociologist can now get in touch with customers on more flexible and effective methods. One of the most important areas that has benefited from digital progression is rehabilitation activities. This blog will be engrossed in how adult social work is organized in the rehabilitation sector in the digital media environment. We want to explore examples of real life, customer work methods and research, evaluate all the abilities that keep digital media to increase social work practice. Rehabilitative Work Activities in Adult Social Work Rehabilitation work activities in social work focus on helping physical, mental or emotional people gain their freedom and...

Adult social work in digital media environment / Mental Health support (Theme 4)

 Mental Health support in adult social work - digital media perspective  People's well-being has been a big question mark in Finland lately. Welfare services are being cut more and more. Many are worried about mental health support services and about their future.  Mental health work uses a wide range of client working methods. They vary according to client's needs and situation. The aim is to support client in their mental health and life management. Some examples of working with clients in mental health work:  - conversational and psychotherapeutic methods -support person work  -occupational therapy -psychiatric nursing    -> Client work in mental health work is often multi-stage and multi-professional Mental health chats:  There is some mental health support online in Finland that can be used to support people's well-being. Chats are super popular nowadays and they are very easy to contact also. The only problem is that when they are popular...

Beyond Support: Redefining the Way We Work with Persons with Disabilities

 When we think about working with persons with disabilities, the first image that often comes to mind is  assistance and care . But what if we shifted our perspective? What if, instead of focusing solely on support, we focused on  empowerment, innovation, and the untapped potential  within these communities? This blog isn’t about what social workers "do for" persons with disabilities. It’s about  how we can work with them  to build a society where disability isn’t a barrier, but a different way of experiencing the world. Breaking the “Helping” Mindset Traditionally, social work with persons with disabilities is framed around  helping the “needy” . But what if we replace  helping  with  collaborating ? 🔹  From Caretaker to Co-Creator  – Instead of making decisions on behalf of disabled individuals, social workers should  co-create solutions  with them, ensuring that policies, workplaces, and social structures meet the...