Page 36 - Seniorstoday Aug 2024 Issue
P. 36
Technology
Bridging the Digital Divide for
Older Adults
The elderly population in India is set to surge to nearly 20% of the total
population by 2050. This makes bridging the digital divide more urgent
than ever before, writes Karishma Joshi
Digital literacy has a triple benefit: it up with access to evolving technology, and
allows you to stay connected, access adults above 60 who did not have the same
essential services, and maintain exposure.
independence. The word ‘access’ doesn’t merely
A digitally integrated society must imply technological availability but also
develop inclusive technological solutions technological literacy. While you may have
that cater to the needs of everyone, the financial means to invest in upcoming
including older people. These solutions are technological inventions, you may still face
indispensable tech tools that empower you shortcomings in usage and adoption, which
to go through the golden years with ease, is entirely understandable.
grace, and confidence. You’ve witnessed multiple eras, from
A United Nations report states that the the no-frills typewriter to the Qwerty
elderly population in India is set to surge mobile and sleek touch devices. No wonder
to nearly 20% of the total population by you find the technology jump hard to
2050. This makes bridging the digital keep up with, if not sometimes outright
divide more urgent than ever before. overwhelming.
Say hello to the digital divide.
What Is the Digital Divide?
The digital divide is a term that separates The Root Cause of the Digital Divide
the population into two groups: the tech- For better context, let’s talk statistics before
savvy younger generation who’ve grown getting into the core issue underlying the
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