Senior citizens are often overlooked in conversations on digital literacy. Here we outline five reasons why digital literacy programmes should be developed for senior citizens.

 

When we think of digital literacy and the effort to improve these skills among the populace, invariably the focus tends primarily to be on children and youth – that is the upcoming contributors to the workforce. Very little attention is given to the cohort at the opposite end of the spectrum: senior citizens.

Although we might be amused (or bemused) when our parents or grandparents are finally on Facebook, and can connect with family and friends, or we can keep in touch with them via WhatsApp, the seniors are a crucial and frequently overlooked group. Further, and with the increasing emphasis on digital inclusion by policymakers, seniors ought to be considered – in addition to girls and women, persons with disabilities, and those towards the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid.

It is highlighted that an important yet subtle distinction is being made between ‘digital inclusion’ and ‘digital literacy’. Generally, digital inclusion means “activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of ICTs”, whilst digital literacy speaks to “the ability to use ICTs to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills” (Source:  National Digital Inclusion Alliance).

With the proliferation of smartphones and portable devices across the Caribbean region, along with the existence of cyber cafes and community centres where individuals can access the internet, it could be argued that digital inclusion in the region is quite high. However, the extent to which individuals possess the requisite knowledge and skills to truly leverage that ICTs falls within the realm of digital literacy, which is still highly underdeveloped in the region – particularly among seniors. Here are five reasons why digital literacy programmes implemented in the Caribbean ought to include senior citizens.

 

1. Many key activities in daily life are being conducted online

Over the past several years, and more so due to the pandemic, there has been a concerted push to have a broad range of public and private services available online. During the lockdowns that have been occurring, a viable option for many has been local online grocery shopping and being able to order food online. In the Caribbean, these industries had not been eager to embrace digital shopping, but now that the genie is out of the bottle, increasingly, we might find that online only options become more established – but can only be accessed by those with the requisite skills to do so.

In a similar vein, increasingly, banks are encouraging their customers to use the automated teller machines (ATMs) and online banking. As a means of deterring customers from coming into the bank, the charges for simple transactions at the teller are more expensive than if conducted digitally. Also, some banks in the Caribbean are no longer accepting cash deposits, unless certain criteria are met. Hence, the typical (or stereotypical) mindset of seniors, who want to handle cash and interact with people will soon find that those modes of engagement and transacting in the world, are fast becoming obsolete

 

2.  ICTs are facilitating seniors’ continued independence

Unlike the communities and society of fifty, or even a hundred years ago, when extended families would have been the norm, increasingly, seniors are living on their own longer – unless or until they are unable to do so. Following from the previous point, technology is introducing a broad range of conveniences, which support and facilitate independent living.

These conveniences are not limited to online or digital purchasing, but also includes areas such as healthcare, safety and security, such as through the use of personal monitoring devices, which may be especially welcomed by family members to give them piece of mind. However, once again, it is crucial that seniors understand and can use these conveniences, or else it makes it difficult for them to continue to enjoy the independence to which they have become accustomed.

 

3.  Seniors are most vulnerable to scamming

We have all heard about seniors being scammed out of considerable sums of money, and being left nearly destitute. Additionally, and in this day and age, we need to also include fake news, as there have been studies in the United States that show that adults over 60 years old are the most susceptible to fake news. Although it is impossible to guarantee that seniors will not succumb to scams or fake news if they are digital literate, having a greater awareness of what is possible with today’s technology may make them more cautious, and in a better position to handle such situations.

On that note, it is emphasised that digital literacy should not only cover how to use digital tools. It should also include areas such as critical thinking and analysis, being able to distil information, along with discussion on the social and cultural impact of technology. In having a comprehensive understanding of ICT, seniors will be better informed, and hopefully be able to exercise better judgment when needed.

 

4.  Improved brain health

As people get older, and if they are not being challenged on a regular basis, typically, their horizons tend to shrink and may even contribute to some forms of dementia. Learning about ICT and becoming digitally literate can keep the brain active, through the need to learn new skills and recall new information.

It is noteworthy to also consider the online learning and education space, and the ease with which courses and programmes can now be taken. For seniors who want to reskill, upskill, or just learn about areas that are of interest to them, the internet and technology have made it easier, more convenient and in many instances, more affordable.

 

5.  An important avenue for leisure and entertainment

Finally, and when in-person events are not possible – such as due to a pandemic, or the restricted mobility of seniors – options for leisure and entertainment become even more important. Thanks to social media, we can stay connected with family and friends, with Facebook being extremely popular among seniors. We also have online video streaming, such as via YouTube or Netflix, for example, and online games, not necessarily gambling, but being able to play with others online.

The pandemic has highlighted a number of things we take for granted, particularly with respect to leisure and entertainment. For seniors, who are among the most vulnerable, online or digital options for leisure and entertainment may need to be more actively explored and considered, as from all reports, the pandemic is likely to persist longer than we initially thought.

 

 

Image credit: Chris Jobling (flickr)