Digital inclusion of the elderly

Author: Ingvild Solheim Hauge

NTNU Open: Digital inclusion of the elderly (Thesis in Norwegian)

Short description

Theme: Digital inclusion of the elderly; examining the use of tools and training initiatives

Type of Thesis: Adoption of technology

Abstract

Today's society is becoming increasingly technology-driven, which in turn increases the need for digital competence to keep up. In this context, many elderly people experience difficulties in participating in the digital society, and are therefore at risk of digital exclusion. Previous research shows that this is a widespread societal problem, and its consequences can lead to reduced quality of life and socio-economic challenges. Earlier studies also identify measures that can promote digital inclusion of vulnerable groups and outline how society should take action. The development of new technology has led to changes in how users interact with digital services, and digitalization has opened up opportunities for increased user-friendliness and accommodation of user needs.

This study aims to contribute new empirical insight into how elderly people experience digital exclusion and digital inclusion in today's society, as well as highlight the underlying factors behind this. This was studied by examining the use of digital tools and training initiatives among elderly Norwegians. The study also explored to what extent existing training measures had an impact on the digital lives of the elderly and identified areas for improvement.

This case study is based on qualitative data: interviews and observations during digital training courses, in addition to interviews with staff involved in digital guidance and a senior researcher in digital exclusion. The findings described a growing need for digital training among the elderly and showed that many elderly people are eager to participate in the digital society. Furthermore, the study identified which factors should be facilitated for optimal digital training of the elderly, as well as the specific needs and preferences identified by elderly participants that could serve as a basis for the development of technological solutions to promote inclusion.

Sustainability analysis

Assumptions/premises

The analysis is based on a scenario where training in digital tools for the elderly is effective, and the tools are universally designed to suit most elderly people.

Positive impacts resulting from this are shown in Figure 1. One can imagine the opposite scenario, with negative impacts spreading based on the same connections (Figure 2). The overall picture is shown in Figure 3.

This thesis focuses on the digital inclusion of the elderly and how this can be achieved through training in relevant digital tools. The task thus has a clear sustainability profile, with a focus on the human dimension of sustainability.

The following assumptions have been made in the sustainability analysis:

• The solution being evaluated (at the center of the diagram) consists of the tools along with the training in those tools.

• The analysis is based on a scenario where both the training in the tools and the use of the tools are effective. These are included as two sustainability impacts under the technical dimension in the diagram: The tools are universally designed, and Relevant training is provided.

Note that even in this initially positive scenario, one can imagine both positive and negative impacts on sustainability.

The following immediate positive sustainability impacts were identified under the human dimension (see Figure 1):

These two impacts will in turn lead to enabling effects within the same dimension (illustrated with arrows in the diagram):

As a consequence of the elderly's ability to participate in society, one may observe systemic impacts within the human dimension:

Empowerment and health among the elderly will impact the economy at the enabling level:

As society gains greater economic resources for other tasks, this will also lead to systemic effects:

The elderly’s participation in society/democracy, combined with available resources for societal tasks beyond those related to the elderly population, will together influence both the environmental decisions made and the implementation of environmental measures.

At the systemic level, this will affect whether the environment is given long-term priority, resulting in environmental consequences:

Based on the same immediate sustainability impacts within the human dimension, the following potential negative impacts were identified (see Figure 2):

The positive immediate impacts may lead to a negative effect within the human dimension, as some users may still be unable to use the tools (despite the tools and training now working for most people). This could result in an even greater degree of exclusion for those affected. Furthermore, the fact that users are indeed able to use the tools may have a potential negative effect in that tool use replaces human contact, leading to negative consequences for social participation.

As a consequence of reduced ability to participate in society and the fact that some elderly individuals are still unable to use digital tools, systemic effects may arise within the human dimension:

Weakened empowerment and health among the elderly may further affect the economy at the enabling level:

As society then has fewer economic resources available for other tasks, this also leads to systemic effects:

The negative impacts on democracy and elderly participation in society, together with the high demand for healthcare resources for the elderly, may have adverse effects on the environment in terms of resource use and decision-making:

At the systemic level, this will affect whether the environment receives long-term prioritization, with resulting environmental consequences:

In this example, we have used two separate diagrams. The content of these diagrams can be combined into a single diagram that shows all the impacts (see Figure 3). The advantage of consolidating the information into one diagram must be weighed against the drawback of the diagram becoming cluttered and difficult to read.