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 security.
Are Seniors Outside the Community if They Can't Use Digital/Social Media?
Furthermore, digital environments and services have become essential for accessing healthcare, government services, and entertainment. Seniors who cannot engage in these digital spaces may feel excluded from basic community activities, such as health monitoring systems, online shopping, or accessing timely information on events and public health updates. As society moves toward digital-first services, the lack of access can exacerbate loneliness and mental health issues.
Services Offered Online and Accessibility for the Elderly
While digital services have become ubiquitous, it’s crucial to analyze how accessible they are for elderly people. Many public services are increasingly offered online, including healthcare services, government portals, and social engagement platforms. For instance, in many countries, e-health services are a major step forward in providing elderly people with healthcare support remotely.
Example: Telemedicine Services
Telemedicine is an excellent example of a service aimed at elderly people, offering remote consultations with healthcare providers via video calls. Finland’s Kanta Services, for example, provides elderly users with the ability to access health records, request prescriptions, and communicate with healthcare providers online. This system is an efficient way to reduce the need for physical visits to healthcare centre, especially for seniors with mobility issues.
However, while these services are highly beneficial, accessibility remains a challenge. Some elderly people struggle with the complexity of navigation and require user-friendly interfaces, larger text sizes, and simplified instructions. There is also the issue of digital literacy, as many seniors lack the necessary skills to use modern devices or understand the functionality of online systems. Additionally, poor internet connections in rural areas can limit access to these services, highlighting the need for digital inclusion efforts.
Interview with My Grandmother: Attitudes, Experiences, and Needs
I had a conversation with my grandmother, who is 76 years old and lives in Nepal, to understand her perspective on digital services. Here’s a summary of our discussion:
Attitudes Towards Digital Services:
"My generation never really had to use computers or phones like you do," she said. "I’ve always preferred talking to people face-to-face. But I see things are changing, and it's hard to ignore the world moving online. My children keep encouraging me to use the internet more, especially for things like video calls and checking my health records. But I’m not very educated, so it’s difficult for me."
Despite her initial hesitation, my grandmother has gradually started using a tablet to connect with family members via video calls. "At first, I was scared I might break something or not understand how it works. But now, I love seeing my grandchildren’s faces on the screen. It makes me feel closer to them."
Experiences and Challenges:
When I asked her about her experience with digital services, she shared, "I’ve had some struggles. Sometimes, I don’t know where to click or what to do next. The words are hard for me to understand, and I can’t them without my glasses. It also takes me a lot of patience to figure out how the apps or which button to press. I wish they were simpler."
Needs and Suggestions:
When I asked her what could help her use digital services more easily, she said, "I think there needs to be more support, like classes or people who can sit down with me and explain things slowly and patiently. It would be helpful if the devices were easier to use. Larger buttons and text would make it much clearer for me. I also want to feel sure that my information is safe."
Digital media is becoming an integral part of everyday life for people of all ages, but the elderly are still grappling with a digital divide. While there are many valuable online services such as telemedicine and video calls, accessibility remains a significant barrier. User-friendly design, digital literacy programs, and support systems are essential to help seniors fully participate in the digital world.
Statistics show that the number of elderly people using digital media is on the rise, but many are still excluded due to lack of skills, access, or comfort with technology. It’s crucial for society to work toward digital inclusion to ensure no one is left behind, and services are made accessible to everyone, regardless of age.
What do you think are the biggest challenges elderly people face when using digital media, and how can we help bridge the digital divide for them? Feel free to share your ideas or experiences!
REGERENCES
Eurostat (2021) Digital economy and society statistics. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat (Accessed: 15 October 2023).
Pew Research Center (2022) Internet/broadband fact sheet. Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org (Accessed: 15 October 2023).
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