The notion of a “digital divide” has been part of American culture for decades. Sources trace the first use of the phrase to the days of the Clinton Administration in the 1990s. In fact, the phrase made its way into President Clinton’s final State of the Union address in 2000.
In those early digital days, the idea of a digital divide represented an economic barrier between the haves and the have-nots. But today the phrase has another connotation: it represents the gap between younger Americans who are comfortable with digital technology and older Americans who – statistically speaking – may feel left behind. As the “digital express” accelerates down the tracks, we wonder whether millions of American seniors are being left behind back at the station.
Today on the Blog, we’re taking a look at the digital divide affecting seniors. This issue is particularly timely because our focus this week is on the challenges affecting long-term caregiving in the U.S. The question before us: if new technology is part of the solution to America’s care crisis, what happens to those seniors unable or unwilling to access it?
Digital Divide Keeps Seniors from Benefits of Technology
For our look at this issue, we’re starting with a short article from the website of Home Care Assistance, a care agency based in Arlington, Texas. The article was written by Gary Hightower to help us understand some of the simple reasons why the digital divide among seniors exists in the first place.
Hightower begins his article with the observation that technology can be “an excellent way” for seniors to maintain connections, learn new things, and even access their healthcare.
“However,” he writes, “many seniors face difficulty with the idea of using technology. Understanding the challenges seniors face can help you find ways to help your aging loved one overcome these difficulties.”
Seniors Often Have Limited Dexterity
First, Hightower notes the potential—and common—physical limitations.
“Due to arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions, it can be difficult for seniors to perform the touchscreen gestures needed to navigate a lot of newer technology,” he writes.
His solution? Select devices that are easier to control, either through a specially-designed mouse, custom controllers, or extra-large buttons. If your loved one is comfortable learning how to use voice-commands, that’s also a much more accessible option widely available on modern devices.
Seniors Often Lack Knowledge of Tech and its Benefits
“Seniors often avoid learning to use technology because they’ve gotten by just fine without it for years,” Hightower writes. “Many make the mistake of assuming technology is just for teens to make videos or overcomplicate social interactions.”
For loved ones in this camp, Hightower suggests explaining to them the benefits of technology and how it can make their lives easier. “This may motivate your loved one to give technology a try,” he adds.
Seniors Often are Anxious About Understanding Computers
No one likes a learning curve, and for many seniors, the dreaded shame of having to learn a new thing may keep them from exploring technology.
“It’s important for seniors to realize there’s no reason to be ashamed,” Hightower writes. “Everyone has difficulty learning technology when it’s completely new to them. […] Computers, smartphones, and other tech devices make life easier, but they can also pose unique challenges for seniors.”
His suggested solution is to look into one-on-one tutoring for your loved one, to give them more familiarity with useful devices. Your local senior center probably offers tech classes and workshops to help seniors experience newer technology in a non-threatening environment. AARP also offers extensive training resources.
“By taking things slowly and having concepts fully explained to them, seniors can develop confidence in their ability to use technology,” he writes.
Many Seniors Suffer from Vision Impairments
Eyesight can be a real hindrance for older adults who want to use technology. “Seniors may find it difficult to see small details, differentiate colors, and distinguish low-contrast items, which can lead to complaints that looking at screens hurts their eyes or gives them headaches,” Hightower writes.
Thankfully, most devices have screen settings that can be adjusted for just this purpose, such as enlarging the font, increasing contrast, and boosting brightness. “You may want to consider devices that use technology such as e-ink, which creates a screen without using light, making it easier for a senior with sensitive vision to use,” Hightower adds.
Many Digital Devices Can Appear Overwhelmingly Complex
When teaching, be wary of overwhelming your loved one with information, Hightower says, even if your motive is enthusiasm. Technology doesn’t have to be confusing or intimidating, and explaining it in stages can go a long way in helping your loved one feel more comfortable.
“To help with memory challenges, try writing down simple steps for basic technology functions,” he writes. “Avoid providing information your loved one doesn’t need to know yet, and stick with the basics needed to learn to perform relevant tasks.”
Some “Actionable Steps” to Help Bridge the Digital Divide
The article from Home Care Assistance does a decent job of describing the problem. To examine a few solutions, let’s turn to another post, this one from Florida-based Senior Friendship Centers. It’s appropriately titled, “Senior Citizens and Technology: Closing the Digital Divide.”
This article takes the issues explained by Hightower and offers more actionable community-wide steps to take “to close the digital divide for senior citizens.”
Let’s take a look at what they suggest.
Providing Access to Technology
First and most importantly, the article states, seniors should have easy access to technology that can make their lives easier. This should be a community-wide priority, and the article encourages establishing community centers with internet access for seniors, or collaborating with libraries and senior centers to offer technology borrowing programs.
Aside from that, they also advocate for providing affordable or free devices specially designed for seniors, maybe even implementing government initiatives to subsidize technology costs for senior citizens.
Offering Technology Training and Support
Similarly to Hightower’s advice, this article advocates for accessible tech training for older adults. They suggest conducting digital literacy workshops where seniors can learn in a collaborative classroom setting, as well as providing one-on-one training sessions “tailored to the specific needs and pace of each senior.”
For ongoing help, seniors should be able to access tech support hotlines or online resources offering guidance for common tech issues, or visit an in-person help desk at their local community center with any tech questions. Voice-to-voice conversation with an understanding tech support representative will be something seniors are likely to appreciate and use, as opposed to interaction based solely on text or chat.
Addressing Affordability Issues
Affordability is a major struggle for many aging adults who would otherwise benefit from technology.
The article suggests that we need clearer and more obvious government programs that offer subsidies for technology purchases, and reduced or exempted taxes on tech products for seniors. Additionally, tech companies could partner with programs that offer senior-friendly devices at discounted prices.
On a smaller scale, the article suggests implementing community initiatives for device donation and recycling to benefit senior citizens.
Promoting a Positive Attitude towards Technology
So much of the barrier to tech-adoption by seniors is a negative or fearful attitude around it.
The article suggests that this can be combated with better education for seniors about the benefits of technology through workshops and seminars that can address their specific fears and concerns while promoting a positive stance toward new devices, as well as ongoing support and encouragement as seniors navigate the digital world.
The article concludes by briefly highlighting some success stories in bridging the digital divide.
“For example,” it states, “community centers in Sarasota, Florida, have implemented technology classes specifically designed for seniors, leading to increased digital literacy and confidence. Furthermore, volunteer-led workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions have empowered older adults to effectively navigate digital tools and platforms.”
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