Digital Inclusion of Older Adults

Author: Ingvild Solheim Hauge

NTNU Open: Digital Inclusion of Older Adults

Short Description

Topic: Digital inclusion of older adults; examines the use of tools and training initiatives

Type of assignment: Technology introduction

Abstract

Modern society is increasingly technology-driven, which increases the need for digital competence to keep up. In this context, many older adults experience difficulties participating in the digital society, putting them at risk of digital exclusion. Previous research shows this is a widespread societal problem, and the consequences may include reduced quality of life and socio-economic challenges. Prior studies also describe measures that promote digital inclusion for vulnerable groups and outline how society should take action. The development of new technologies has led to changes in how users interact with digital services, offering increased usability and accommodation of users’ needs.

This study aims to provide new empirical insight into how older adults experience digital exclusion and inclusion in today’s society and to shed light on the underlying factors. This was studied by examining the use of digital tools and training initiatives among older Norwegians. It also investigated the extent to which existing training programs influenced the digital daily life of older adults and identified potential areas for improvement.

This case study is based on qualitative data: interviews and observations during digital training courses, as well as interviews with staff involved in digital guidance and senior researchers on digital exclusion. The findings highlighted a significant need for digital training among older adults and that many older adults wish to participate in the digital society. Further, factors for optimal digital training were identified, along with the needs and preferences of older adults, which can inform the development of technological solutions to promote inclusion.

Sustainability Analysis

Assumptions / Preconditions

The analysis is based on a scenario where training in digital tools for older adults works effectively and where the tools have a universal design suitable for most older adults.

This assignment focuses on digital inclusion of older adults and how it can be achieved through training in relevant digital tools. Thus, it has a clear sustainability profile with a focus on the human dimension of sustainability.

The following assumptions were made in the sustainability analysis:

• The solution under consideration (center of the diagram) consists of the tools together with training in the tools.
• The analysis is based on a scenario where training in the tools and the use of the tools is effective. This is reflected in two sustainability effects on the technical dimension: Tools are universally designed, and Relevant training is provided.
• Even in this initially positive scenario, both positive and negative sustainability effects can be imagined.

These immediate positive effects can lead to enabling effects on the same dimension (illustrated with arrows in the diagram):

As a consequence of older adults’ ability to participate in society, there can be systemic effects on the human dimension:

These structural effects can in turn enable further effects on the same dimension:

As a consequence of older adults’ societal participation, structural social effects occur:

Agency and health of older adults also have enabling economic effects:

This in turn leads to systemic economic effects:

The participation of older adults in society, together with available resources for other societal tasks, influences environmental decisions:

Systemic effects on the environment can then occur:

However, positive immediate effects can also lead to negative outcomes if some older adults are still unable to use the tools. This may increase exclusion for those affected. Additionally, tool usage could replace human contact, negatively impacting societal participation:

Consequently, structural social negative effects may occur:

Weakened agency and health also affect economic outcomes:

Negative impacts on democracy and participation, together with high healthcare demands, can affect environmental outcomes:

In table form: