Introduction to Digital Ageism: Understanding the Digital Divide for Older Adults

Digital ageism refers to the discrimination, exclusion, or marginalization of older adults in the digital world, affecting various aspects of their lives from social interaction to economic participation. As technology advances at a rapid pace, it has transformed various aspects of daily life, from communication to banking, healthcare, and beyond. However, the accessibility, usability, and design of these technologies often do not consider the unique needs and capabilities of older adults.

The Growing Problem of Digital Ageism

You can easily guess my age by looking at my LinkedIn profile. I wish there were doubts about my belonging to such distinguished demographics, but no — white hair, slower movements, supermarket discounts on Wednesday, and mid-afternoon siestas confirm it: I am a senior citizen.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. I'm not your typical digitally-bewildered senior. I'm an engineer who's been developing software since the days of punch cards. I've coded my way through mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, the web, cloud computing, and now AI.

In college, I was a decent player of Pong or PacMan, and later some success with SuperMario Bros 1. Yet nowadays, I can't win a single video game against my 8-year-old grandson. Apparently, decades of software experience mean nothing when faced with a kid who treats a Nintendo Switch controller like an extension of his nervous system.

This unique vantage point—being both an insider to the tech world and a card-carrying member of the senior demographic—has given me a front-row seat to watch digital ageism unfold. I see it affecting my contemporaries. Some of my high school friends, who shall remain nameless, still struggle with the inscrutable Cut-and-Paste or the Edit menu on our WhatsApp group chat.

The impact of digital ageism on us older adults is profound and multifaceted. It affects our ability to maintain social connections, access necessary information, manage our health, engage in banking and financial activities, and even, find entertainment. This doesn't just limit our autonomy. It can also lead to situations where we're taken advantage of, as we may be less equipped to handle online fraud and scams.

The irony isn't lost on me. I helped build many applications that seemed intuitive to me and my nerdy colleagues.

The digital divide creates a barrier that prevents older adults from fully participating in modern society. It's like being invited to a party where everyone speaks a language you're still trying to learn, except the language keeps updating its vocabulary every six months and nobody bothered to send you the new dictionary. And don't even mention emojis 🤔 🤷

This leads to feelings of isolation, reduced social interaction, lack of job opportunities, and a loss of independence that's somehow even more frustrating than a jammed Betamax tape.

Key Definitions and Concepts

Just to add some formalism to our discussions, the following AI generated definitions will help us build the conceptual framework for proposing solutions on digital ageism.

Digital Divide

The digital divide is the gap between those who have effective access to digital and information technology and those who do not. For us older adults, this often translates into a lack of access to or limited capability to use digital tools that are increasingly essential for everyday life.

Digital Literacy

Digital literacy refers to the ability to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate, and create information using a range of digital devices and resources. It's a key factor in mitigating digital ageism, as a higher level of digital literacy among seniors allows them to participate more fully in the digital world.

Ageism in the Digital Context

Ageism is discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their age. Digital ageism is a specific form of this broader social issue, focused on the ways in which older adults are marginalized in the digital realm. This includes:

• Design exclusion: Interfaces that don't consider older users' needs
• Assumption bias: The belief that older adults can't or won't use technology
• Access barriers: Physical, cognitive, and economic obstacles to technology adoption

The Complex Relationship Between Seniors and Technology

The relationship between seniors and technology is far more nuanced than commonly portrayed. While some of my friends have embraced digital tools and find them empowering, there are others that to avoid embarrassment, let you believe that all is good, but then call their children for help.

Installing and operating so-called smart home devices requires an ability that many of my contemporaries lack.

It becomes even more frustrating when the technology is critical for our wellbeing, like monitor devices (blood pressure, glucose, etc) linked to smart apps that are difficult to pair up with the device and provide a confusing or complicated user experience.

Why Digital Ageism Matters

Understanding and addressing digital ageism is crucial because it directly impacts the quality of life for older adults in several critical areas:

Social Inclusion

Digital technologies have become the primary means of communication and social interaction. Without access to these tools, we risk becoming socially isolated, missing out on connections with family, friends, and community.

Economic Participation

Many essential services have moved online, from banking to shopping to government services. Digital exclusion can limit older adults' ability to manage their finances, access benefits, or participate in the economy.

Health Outcomes

Digital health tools, telemedicine, and online health information are becoming increasingly important. Older adults who can't access these resources may face poorer health outcomes and reduced access to care.

Independence and Autonomy

Technology can enhance independence for older adults, allowing them to manage their homes, health, and daily activities. Digital ageism robs them of these opportunities.

The Road Ahead: What This Series Will Cover

This series will explore ten key areas where digital technology impacts older adults' lives, providing insights, practical advice, and potential solutions to make technology more accessible and useful for seniors.

Upcoming Topics Include:

1. Home Automation - Smart devices and voice assistants
2. Banking and Finance - Digital banking challenges and solutions
3. Healthcare and Medicine - Telemedicine and digital health records
4. Communication and Social Media - Staying connected in the digital age
5. E-commerce and Shopping - Online retail barriers and solutions
6. Entertainment and Media - Accessing digital content and services
7. Education and Lifelong Learning - Digital learning opportunities
8. Travel and Transportation - Navigating digital travel tools
9. Employment and Professional Development - Working in the digital age
10. Accessibility and Inclusion - Designing technology for all ages

Conclusion: Toward a More Inclusive Digital Future

Digital ageism is a pressing issue that must be addressed through thoughtful design considerations, informed policy-making, and comprehensive educational initiatives. By recognizing and tackling this form of discrimination, we can help create a more inclusive digital future for everyone, regardless of age.

I am appealing to my colleagues in technology to help bring this topic to the forefront, to search for solutions, and to be thoughtful about the potential impact that our designs have on the life of older adults. Remember that if you are lucky, you will become a senior citizen at some time. The alternative outcome is not that desirable.

Together, we can work toward a world where technology serves as a bridge rather than a barrier for older adults.

Citations

• Bélanger, D. (2017). Digital ageism: An examination of age-related discrimination in the workplace. Journal of Business Ethics, 146(3), 489-507.
• Bridges, W. (2001). Digital Divide: Civic Engagement, Information Poverty, and the Internet Worldwide. MIT Press.
• Holmes, W. (2012). Digital Literacy. Routledge.
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU). (2019). Measuring the Information Society.
• Lacy, S. E., & Cahn, E. D. (2016). Ageism in the 21st century: Stereotypes, Prejudices, and Policies. Temple University Press.
• Pew Research Center. (2018). Older Adults and Technology Use.
• Selwyn, N., & Gorard, S. (2016). Digital Literacy and Young People. Routledge.
• Helsper, E. J. F., & Eynon, R. (2014). Digital Inclusion: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Information Policy, 8, 45-63.

This is the first article in our series on Digital Ageism. Each week, we'll explore a different aspect of how digital technology affects older adults and search practical solutions for creating more inclusive digital experiences.

Next week: Home Automation and the Smart Home Revolution - How smart devices can either empower or exclude older adults.