The world is shifting from analog to digital faster than ever before, exposing us to the vast promise and peril of new technologies. It is important to pace up with the time and support those who are left out. Digital literacy can be a blessing for the elderly, especially those who are living alone or those who want to stay independently. It would not only make their life comfortable and smooth but also make them feel a part of society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it could have proven a boon for them as the world would have been just a click away. From banking, ordering medicines, or ration to stay connected with their families, being digital literate would have helped them a lot. While the digital revolution has given many wonderful benefits to society, it has also brought many concerns, such as widening digital gaps, cyber threats, and online human rights violations. It has especially isolated the ageing people for whom accepting and learning the new technologies is not easy.
The term Ageism perfectly defines the concept of generating stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) directed towards people on the basis of their age. The elderly section of the population is often at the receiving end of this differential treatment not just by outsiders but also by their near and dear ones. This attitude towards the elderly exists not just in India but is pervasive globally. It manifests itself in all key institutions in society. With the advancement in technology and the introduction of a new digital age, the elderly individuals have found it extremely difficult to keep up with the pace of this rapidly changing world which in turn restricts them to participate and contribute to society however they want.
A recent survey by National Center for Biotechnology Information or NCBI, suggests that a large population of ageing people have shown keen interest in learning digital technology but they get poor assistance or support from their family members, resulting in the poor knowledge of using digital devices among elderly. Not only it has increased social isolation but has made them the easiest prey of cyberbullies. Unlike younger people, older people or senior citizens are not very much aware of cyber – threats, and in most cases, it has been found that they lack experience and knowledge of using a digital device like a mobile or tablet to identify fraudulent attempts.
The introduction of schemes like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is undoubtedly geared towards making life easier for the people of India yet highlighting some very crucial issues of digital divide and digital literacy. Not everyone has the access as well as the technical know-how to operate mobile phones, computers, or the internet for every little task in their daily lives. There are, however, a few techniques to overcome these challenges for the elderly. The strengthening of Policies and Laws against ageism can be achieved by adopting new instruments at the local, national or international level and by modifying existing instruments that permit age discrimination. Educational interventions, at all levels, can reduce ageism which in turn helps enhance empathy, dispel misconceptions about different age groups and reduce prejudice and discrimination by providing accurate information and counter-stereotypical examples. Lastly, promoting intergenerational contact interventions aiming to foster interaction between people of different generations can reduce intergroup prejudice and stereotypes.
COVID-19 has not only taken a devastating toll on the lives of many older people around the world but also has exposed ageist stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination against older adults. It reduces their quality of life, increases their social isolation and loneliness (both of which are associated with serious health problems), and may increase the risk of violence and abuse against older people.
Social isolation and ageism have serious impacts on health and longevity along with affecting their mental and social well-being. The lockdown had restricted a lot of the elderly to the confines of their four walls for their safety and most of them felt caged. The elderly people living alone or even those with families found it hard to adjust to this new lifestyle of everyone working at home with little or no time for others. They couldn’t socialise or meet with people. Even talking to their own family members had become a huge task wherein they had to seek help or figure out ways to make a video call or message someone. With the technology changing every day, it is never an easy process to learn.
The changes brought on by digitisation has made multiple tedious procedures and tasks, like banking, shopping, paying bills, etc. easier but it has also resulted in many cyber-related crimes and frauds. Unfortunately, those who are less aware or unable to understand the processes of digitisation along with its cautions become the target for cheating and frauds. They often become the target of abuse and ill-treatment by other members of society too. This digital revolution will move towards the advancement of humanity in the real sense only when all sections of the population are able to access and enjoy the benefits offered by technology. The elderly section of the population truly needs to be recognised as one that deserves a life of respect and dignity.
It is high time that the younger generation should step up and take the responsibility of educating the older people and supporting them while using digital devices. It becomes our duty to guide them about cyber threats; it is then only we can achieve the United Nation’s vision of ‘Digital Inclusion for All’. Let us all come together to erase the digital divide and build a safe world for all.
Muni Shankar Pandey
(The writer is Founder & Director of DadiDada Foundation)