‘Digital divide’ isolates seniors
The internet may enrich the lives of older Australians – but is it more trouble than it’s worth? A recent report released by National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre has found many of the nation’s seniors believe using the internet is “too hard”.
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The internet may enrich the lives of older Australians – but is it more trouble than it’s worth? A recent report released by National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre has found many of the nation’s seniors believe using the internet is “too hard”.
The study, ‘Older Australians and the Internet: Bridging the Digital Divide’, stated ‘bridging the divide’ was an “important national challenge”, given the rapidly ageing population, and increasing health care costs as well as later retirement ages.
Urgent action is also called for to tailor current online technologies to help “break down barriers” and assist older Australians in gaining the skills and confidence they need to be able to use the internet.
The research revealed some seniors are often deterred from using the internet as a result of buying a computer and internet or broadband connection. Other concerns included a lack of knowledge and skills, confusion about technology, worries about computer security and access to computers – particularly in regional areas.
However, the study, conducted by Queensland University of Technology researcher, Dr Sandra Haukka, for National Seniors, also showed increasing awareness that the internet could provide the convenience of email, health advice, online shopping, bill-paying, banking and keeping in touch with family, friends, news and events in the community.
National Seniors general manager of policy and research, Peter Matwijiw, said, in short, “[seniors] are often on the wrong side of the digital divide”.
“Older people with low internet skills are unable to conduct business or access important services over the web,” Mr Matwijiw said.
