As technology advances, senior citizens face an escalating danger of being digitally excluded. In countries such as Sweden, where digitalization is widespread, they also encounter greater difficulty in exploiting the opportunities presented by technology. That’s the finding of a recent study from Örebro University.
“Older adults in Sweden with no knowledge of digital technology are excluded from participating in society to a greater extent than older adults in Greece. The reason being that in Sweden, a majority of activities require digital tools,” the author explains.
Digital exclusion
The researcher conducted an analysis and comparison of digitalization policies in Sweden and Greece. Additionally, she interviewed older adults in both countries to gather their perspectives on the accessibility, skills, and potential of digital technology.
“In Sweden, the BankID app, which is required for identification for numerous online services, is a good example of how digital technology may lead to exclusion,” they explain. “Not having a BankID is like living in the shadows, preventing you from participating in society on equal terms.”
As our lives become increasingly impacted by digitalization, it’s essential to ensure that older individuals can fully exercise their rights as citizens. Therefore, it’s crucial for politicians and decision-makers to prioritize this issue on their agenda. The welfare of the older generation hinges on it.
Family support
Elderly care in Sweden is organized by municipalities, but for older individuals to stay active in the digital world, they often rely on their families for support.
Despite Sweden’s robust welfare model, it’s usually family members who offer assistance with digital technology, which is somewhat unexpected. Interestingly, older adults in Sweden are hesitant to request help from their families, unlike their counterparts in Greece.
“Older adults in Sweden are very independent and proud, while older adults in Greece feel that they can turn to their children and grandchildren for help any time,” the researchers explain.
Getting help
To address this issue in Sweden, one potential solution could be to provide a small stipend to children and grandchildren who can assist their elderly family members with digital skills. On the other hand, in Greece, it may be beneficial to offer free IT courses for older adults at a municipal level.
The author underscores the fact that the older generation is not a homogenous group. Research literature uses several labels to describe their relationship with digital technology, including silver surfers, athletes, technophobes, and non-users.
“In the research literature, negative descriptions are used more often than positive ones,” the author concludes. “Naturally, the use of digital technology is on the rise also among older adults, but with the ongoing development of digital technology, the digital divide is still very much a reality.”
