Catalina Allemant CarozzoIn today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, a profound disparity has emerged between younger and older generations when it comes to technology adoption and proficiency. According to a survey by Pew Research Center, only 42% of seniors, age 65 and older, own smartphones compared to 94% of people aged 18 to 29.
Older people that use technology may face challenges, firstly, when it comes to learning how to handle it. “There are many things that I don’t understand. If I need something I ask someone to help me, but if you don’t have anyone it’s impossible”, expresses Mali Barret, who worked as a computer programmer 50 years ago in the company WR Grace.
During COVID-19, the importance of digital connectivity became evident, with virtual communication serving as a lifeline for social ties. “I’ve lost connection with a lot of people, especially friends, because we got so used to the idea that things can be done virtually, and now I almost don’t leave my house. I have lost my way of living”, says Mali. Older individuals find themselves in unfamiliar land that can lead to feelings of exclusion and isolation, as they also encounter digital ageism.
Senior citizens can feel like their knowledge in technology is superficial. Adela Arregui, a senior woman and grandmother of 7, shares: “it’s been challenging but fun. Still, I just learn what I need to”. It can be overwhelming to think that technology has gone too far to understand it. “Before, one told the machine what to do, now it tells you”, explains Mali. Yet, both agree that when it comes to basic services, like ordering things to their houses, digitalization is really helpful.
Older adults have witnessed the drastic evolution of technology. “It’s scary and I feel distress when I see that younger people are used to immediacy and over exposure of information. It comes down to using technology well”, says Adela. They are often concerned for the safety and independence of future generations. “There will come a time when they’ll have to control it, governments have to realize when it’s going too far”, expresses Mali.
Working for inclusion
This problem broadens the conversation and sparks a new question: what can society do to create a world where seniors not only feel capable to navigate through the digital era but can also be involved in it?
Senior journalist and teacher at Abat Oliba CEU University Manel Dominguez offers his point of view on this. “Some countries implement policies to foster digital inclusion through digital literacy programs, subsidies for technology acquisition, and the creation of information technology infrastructure. These help reduce the generational gap”, he explains.
Older adults can participate in social aspects of digitalization, using technology for just personal purposes is not the default. ‘Living Labs’ are impulsing this, they are spaces found in different societies where older people go to innovate and create new resources through technology. In Dominguez words, “their working method is computational thinking and user-centered co-creation. It’s active aging”. This project makes sure no one is left behind in the digital age.
Dominguez published his book “Senior: la vida que no cesa” in 2023, in which he explores topics such as the paths that can be taken to empower seniors to have an active role in the digital world.
Closing the digital gap
Young and old people will work together in the near future. “Technology and robotics will generate new jobs, and there will not be enough young people to respond to this avalanche”, explains Dominguez. Still, he recalls that young individuals tend to avoid working with seniors because they claim their productivity will slow down.
This phenomenon, called ‘digital ageism’, describes the prejudices held towards older people about their ability to handle technology and adapt to digital changes. But, Dominguez affirms: “a young brain is faster at making decisions, but mine is more confident and makes fewer mistakes. The gap will narrow, as the union of both age groups is the future”.
