Ageing well in a digital world: technology and older Australians

Technology is increasingly promoted as a way to help older Australians stay safe, connected, and independent at home. Digital tools are changing what ageing at home looks like.

But new research from Flinders University is asking a harder question: is technology actually working for older Australians, or are we assuming it will?

What the research found

A new paper in the journal Digital Health, led by Dr Claire Gough from Flinders University’s Caring Futures Institute, examines how technology is positioned as a solution for an ageing population and whether the reality matches the promise.

“Technology is often presented as a quick fix for the challenges of ageing, but it’s never just about the device,” says Dr Gough. “It’s about people, relationships, values and the environments older people live in.”

The research finds that digital tools offer genuine benefits, but uptake among older adults remains lower than expected. The barriers are more complex than most people assume.

These barriers include:

• Many older Australians did not grow up with smartphones or tablets and find interfaces confusing or intimidating.
• Devices, internet connections, and ongoing subscriptions can be expensive, particularly for those on the Age Pension.
• Many apps are designed for younger users: small text, complex menus, and jargon that pushes older people away.
• Without ongoing help to set up and troubleshoot, older Australians often abandon devices that could genuinely improve their lives.
• Privacy and loss of control are real concerns. Dr Gough’s research found that older people worry about being constantly monitored in their own homes. If technology feels intrusive or erodes their sense of autonomy, it won’t be used, regardless of how well it works.

For families, this research is a reminder that buying a tablet for Mum or Dad is only the first step. Ongoing support and patience matter just as much.

The research also points to a design problem. Many technologies are built without genuine involvement from older people. Co-design (developing tools with older people rather than just for them) is fundamental to making technology that fits real lives, Dr Gough argues. “Co-design isn’t a nice extra,” she says. “It’s fundamental to making sure technology supports older people rather than making decisions for them.”

More on technology in aged care

Where technology is making a real difference

Despite the challenges, digital tools are genuinely improving quality of life for many older Australians. The areas where technology is having the most positive impact include:

Staying connected

Video calling has changed the way older Australians maintain relationships, particularly those in residential care or living alone. During the pandemic, it became a lifeline. Many families have kept it up. Regular video calls with grandchildren, friends, or siblings can reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation significantly.

Health monitoring

Wearable devices and health apps can track heart rate, detect falls, and remind people to take medications. For older Australians living independently, these tools can give families peace of mind and potentially detect health issues earlier.

Home care coordination

Many home care providers now use digital platforms to coordinate visits, share care plans, and communicate with families. This can improve transparency and help families stay informed about their loved one’s care, even when they can’t be there in person.

Access to information

Online resources, including sites like Talking Aged Care, mean that older Australians and their families can access reliable information about the aged care system, their rights, and available services, without waiting for a brochure or appointment.

How families can help

If you have an older parent or relative who is hesitant about technology, there are gentle ways to help them get started:

1. Start simple. A single device with one or two apps they find genuinely useful is far better than a full setup they can’t manage.
2. Make it personal. Video calls with grandchildren or a favourite streaming service can be a much stronger motivator than a generic health app.
3. Build in regular support. Schedule a regular time, even just 15 minutes, to help troubleshoot or explore new features together.
4. Choose age-friendly devices. Some tablets and phones are designed for older users, with larger text, simpler navigation, and easy-access emergency contacts.
5. Don’t give up after the first hurdle. Learning new technology takes time for everyone. Patience and encouragement go a long way.

More on supporting older Australians at home

The digital inclusion gap

The benefits of technology aren’t evenly distributed. Older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living in regional and rural areas with poor internet connectivity, and those on low incomes are least likely to benefit, and most likely to be left behind.

If we are serious about technology as a tool for healthy ageing, investment in digital literacy programs, affordable devices, and better connectivity for all Australians must be part of the conversation.

Dr Gough’s paper also flags a less visible gap: older Australians are underrepresented in the data used to train AI systems. Tools built on datasets that don’t reflect older people’s lives and needs are unlikely to serve them well.

FAQ

What technology is most useful for older Australians living at home?

Video calling apps, fall detection wearables, medication reminder apps, and smart home devices (such as voice-activated assistants) are among the most commonly beneficial for older people living independently.

How can I help my elderly parent get comfortable with technology?

Start with one simple, personally meaningful use — like video calling family. Offer patient, regular support rather than a one-off set-up. Consider an age-friendly device designed with larger text and simpler navigation.

Is there help available for older Australians to learn digital skills?

Yes. Libraries, community centres, and programs like the government’s Be Connected initiative offer free digital skills training for older Australians. Your local council may also run digital literacy workshops.

Can technology replace face-to-face care and visits?

No. It shouldn’t try to. Technology is most effective as a supplement to human connection and care, not a replacement for it. Regular in-person visits, professional care services, and community connection remain essential.