Arguments for

Keeping

the Elderly

Connected

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To Technology and the Internet

In 2014, Canadian citizens over 55 used the internet almost 3 times fewer than the average millennial.1 This trend is similar across the entire developed world. In an era when the Internet is at the heart of the majority of our daily interactions, how can we improve elderly people’s access to the Internet while avoiding the drawbacks it brings along with it?

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A recent report by AgeUK found that 31% of couples over 65 and 64% of single 65+ households have no access to the Internet in the UK. 2 While age in itself is a huge factor behind this, other reasons why older people don’t have Internet access include: • Income• Self-perceived Health Status• Mobility• Self-perceived Memory and Ability to

Concentrate

Barriers to using the

internet that older people

face

Perceived difficulty of

learning at an older age

Worry about breaking

expensive technology

Looking stupid in

front of friends and

relatives

The feeling that technology is moving

too fast

Lack of a social network

Lacking basic skills

and training

Those who feel comfortable enough with using the Internet appreciate their benefits the same as everyone else

Benefits of Being Connected to the Internet

Less likely to constantly feel isolated

More ways to share thoughts and memories before the next gathering

Possibility to accomplish more from home

Downsides of being disconnected from the internet

1: Having to rely on modes of communication younger generations no longer

use

2: Increased stress on personal body i.e. when going outside

to do shopping, travel

3: Feeling less capable, possibly leading to resentment

towards society

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So just like everyone else, elderly people need the

Internet to navigate their daily lives and communicate with

their loved ones.

Technology can be a crutch for those who are isolated from their support networks.3

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Provided that:

1 - People feel in control of the technology they are using (i.e. simplicity)

2 – It supports independence, rather than increasing dependence on the tech

3 – It doesn’t feel like it infringes upon one’s privacy.4

A Personal Story…

In 2012, my French Grandmother and Grandfather had an amicable divorce, leaving my Grandmother to find a new place for herself at the age of 64.

Unlike my Grandfather, who received a fair pension from the government, my Grandmother had been in and out of formal work her entire life, so her pension was the bare minimum. The divorce left her poor and isolated, until she adopted the internet a month after moving into her new phone. While she could always phone or write too a family member, she can now also Skype anyone at no cost, send emails, look for deals at supermarkets before heading out to do groceries and sell her homemade jams and knitted herb bags online.

The PrincipleBeing connected to the Internet allows the world not only to become more connected, but to also

cut down the barriers of distance and open up new opportunities that we previously didn't have. By

having some sections of the population obtaining greater overall access to the Internet than

others, not only do we create economic inequalities but social ones also. Having access to

the Internet does not necessitate its constant use, but it does allow older people to avoid

feelings of isolation, of feeling uncapable and avoid wasting money.

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Technology that can be used by the elderly needs to take several things into mind

Durability: Older people tend to press upon smartphones harder than most people, and shaking from tremors may be mistaken by a touchscreen as a swipe

The technology needs to be simplified and empowering; a complicated interface will only leave an elderly person feeling confused or frustrated

Practical: Technology that will seem more relevant to an older person leans more towards completing tasks and removing barriers rather than being used for leisure

Future SolutionsLively: A medical alert smartwatch, along with sensors allows for a quick medical response to an emergency while remaining practical and stylish.

Tablets with pensioner-friendly software; an easier experience with fewer things on screen to press and accessible support guides.

GPS insoles: Placing these inside the shoes of someone with Alzheimer’s allows others to find them in case they wonder off.

Fitness trackers with a simple interface are helpful when trying to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.

Conclusion

The challenges of bringing the Internet and new technologies to older generations cannot be dismissed as being down to their intolerance for change, but must be viewed in light of the difficulties they face that younger individuals may not.

Governments will never have enough resources or consideration to support older people in better accessing the benefits of technology and the Internet, leaving strategies to be community-focused and entrepreneurial. 5 All in all, the extent to which older people can become more connected to society and relatives depends not only on their willingness to make these new inventions work, but also on our willingness to make those things work for our older loved ones.

Bibliography

Damant, Jacqueline, Martin Knapp, and Candy Gibson. "Internet Is Both Harming and Helping Older People in Social Interactions." The London School of Economics and Political Science. August 13, 2015. http://www.lse.ac.uk/newsAndMedia/news/archives/2015/08/Internet-older-adults.aspx.

2 Green, Marcus, and Phil Rossall. "Digital Inclusion Evidence Review." 2013. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN-GB/For-professionals/Research/Age UK Digital Inclusion Evidence Review 2013.pdf?dtrk=true.

3Gustke, Constance. "Technology, While Not a Fountain of Youth, Can Make Aging ..." The New York Times. July 24, 2015. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/25/your-money/technology-while-not-a-fountain-of-youth-can-make-aging-safer.html.

1 Krashinsky, Susan. "Four Ways Canadians Are Consuming Media Differently." The Globe and Mail. December 04, 2014. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/marketing/four-ways-canadians-are-consuming-media-differently/article21949630/.

5McGee, Craig, Craig Kielburger, and Marc Kielburger. "Have Your Say: How Can We Help Canadians Gain Better Access to the Internet?" The Globe and Mail. April 21, 2014. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/giving/have-your-say-how-can-we-help-canadians-gain-better-access-to-the-internet/article15585113/.

Mears, Teresa. "10 Essential Tech Tools for Older Adults | Retirement | US ..." U.S.news. November 16, 2015. http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2015/11/16/10-essential-tech-tools-for-older-adults.

4Sloan, David, and Sergio Sayago. "Older People and Their Use of the Internet.“ 2014. https://www.nominettrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/NT IP 1 - Older people and their use of the internet (FINAL).pdf.

Wakefield, Jane. "The Generation That Tech Forgot." BBC News. May 25, 2015. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-32511489.