Digital exclusion: a new form of ageism?

In 2019, the slogan “OK Boomer!” took the internet by storm. This catchphrase gained popularity because it tapped into a common sentiment among the young that the older generation were holding back progress because of their lack of digital awareness and old-fashioned ideas.

Obviously, the younger generation saw little hope for its predecessors, but the problem now goes beyond intergenerational disdain. As the world becomes increasingly digitised, the older generation will be left behind in the workplace, in social interactions and, worse, in being able to claim their due rights in society. The question arises, do we condemn a generation to another form of ageism – digital exclusion – or are serious policy measures needed to address the issue?

Sure, generations love complaining about each other. Older people like to rage about “kids these days’’ being snowflakes and uncapable of handling any hardship. Meanwhile, the “kids” complain about older individuals being stubborn and out of touch with today’s realities.

What is new here, however, is that Western societies are now changing rapidly as a result of ageing and digitalisation. Most of the world’s industrial democracies have ageing populations. As these populations age, there is also the challenge of not marginalising these older citizens and including them in the rapidly changing, technology-driven society.

The fact, however, is that while we are shifting to an increasingly digital economy, many citizens – in particular senior citizens – are still not online. As a 2021 study in the European Union showed, 98 per cent of those aged 16-24 had used the internet in the last three months while only 61 per cent of those aged between 65-74 had done so.

Ageism remains a significant barrier to digital participation

Even worse, many of them have no intention of heading online anytime soon. In a 2018 British survey, older citizens were asked what would prompt them to log on. Almost three-quarters of people over the age of 65 responded “nothing” (74 per cent).

Limited digital skills not only marginalise the current older generation, but they could also be a legitimisation of ongoing ageism. Therefore, the current generational clash – between Gen Z (11-26 years) and boomers (59-77 years) – is actually not funny.

Does ageism influence internet use?

Ageism indeed plays a pivotal role in internet use. The more individuals are exposed to ageism, including self-ageism, the less likely they are to be active on the internet. This suggests that ageism remains a significant barrier to digital participation, despite the undeniable benefits technology offers older adults, such as accessing health information, (intergenerational) communication, professional competence and social support.

A crucial question seniors pose themselves is: “Why should I bother to go online?” Multiple studies have found that older adults are more motivated to adopt new technologies if they can see underlying purposes that align with their goals and interests.

For instance, a study by the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the municipality of Amsterdam titled Building Blocks for Social Inclusion shows that “unconnected” people only take the initiative to become more digitally skilled if this brings them an immediate advantage.

Healthcare

To clarify the term, ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed towards people on the basis of their age. And also, how we think about ourselves. Many studies have focused on the adverse influence ageism has on healthcare and the socioeconomical costs involved. Furthermore, the more healthcare is going digital, the more seniors with limited access face serious challenges.

They might miss out on important health information – especially updates about their conditions – or even struggle with basic things like booking appointments online. This again might mean doctors and nursing staff not taking their health concerns as seriously or assuming they do not need certain treatments, leading to unequal care.

Moreover, not being connected and unable to perform an easy digital task, can make older people feel isolated and insecure, which can affect their mental health and therefore add to a negative downwards spiral.

Labour market

At the same time, as the demand for healthcare services skyrockets due to an ageing population and health crises like the Covid-19 pandemic, the workforce is dwindling.

The shrinking number of healthcare professionals is nothing short of a dire crisis – the scarcity of doctors, nurses and other essential healthcare workers is reaching catastrophic levels, leaving hospitals, clinics and care institutions heavily understaffed.

This shortage translates to overworked healthcare providers, longer wait times, compromised patient care and, ultimately, endangered lives. A further digitalisation of healthcare is the only way out especially for the seniors who are the primary recipients of healthcare.

E-government

How are politicians acting on this impeding crisis? Population ageing is often framed as a societal crisis, whereas technological development is outlined as its solution.

This discourse, though, puts less frequent older users of these technologies in a problematic position. While ageing is understood as an imminent crisis that must be solved by technology, the non-use of digital technologies by seniors becomes a threat to this solution.

In what ways can governments enable the less digitally included to be properly represented? Will they be able to protect and fulfil their full democratic rights? With digitalisation, governments demand more and more participation, self-care and self-management from citizens. And many older citizens find this challenging as a result of a lack of self-efficacy.

An often-heard opinion is that the digital exclusion of older people is only a cohort problem. Previous generations have been raised with internet hence they can easily integrate in all digital developments in later life as well. 

However, the current cohort with limited internet-use has a long tail-end. The millions of people globally in their 50s and 60s who are not online can expect to live a further 20 to 30 years and will continue to do so without being digitally connected unless better support is provided.

Moreover, even for those who are engaged with existing technologies, the pace at which technology develops challenges the learning abilities of the ageing population. Those who were raised in a digital world will still hit these obstacles over time and struggle to adopt to new technologies – in particular after leaving the workforce.

Therefore, digital exclusion in later life is not a problem that is going to disappear in the near future. It is a moving target.

Digital transformation: a global priority

Since the early 2000s, the US and EU have launched e-government initiatives to modernise public services. This rapid evolution of online and digital technologies has made “enhancing the delivery of public services through digital means” a top-three global priority for governments and has also been identified by nearly one-third of citizens as being crucial.

Digital exclusion in later life is not a problem that is going to disappear in the near future

Even in high-income countries, the pace of these transformations necessitates assistance in navigating and understanding these new digital landscapes.

A survey conducted by Ipsos MORI, involving 12,100 participants across 12 countries, underscores the widespread support for government-sponsored skills programs aimed at enhancing digital literacy.

Six out of 10 respondents express their willingness to participate in such training schemes if offered. Furthermore, a third of those surveyed believe that governments should facilitate better internet and computer access for those currently without it.

Gamification: a gateway to digital proficiency

However, what to do about older people who are not open to learn, and who state that “nothing’’ would get them online?

Gamification might be the golden key here. In general, fun experiences during gameplay significantly accelerate the learning curve, fostering a relaxed and successful adoption of digital devices.

Take this smartly designed course to help older adults become more tech-savvy. First, participants made a puzzle on a large tablet to learn touchscreen skills. Then, the tablets introduced became smaller and more challenging games were proposed such as Candy Crush. At the end of the course, most seniors were able to use a smartphone.

Another possibility may be to introduce such gaming on a far larger scale in areas frequented by senior citizens like community centres, libraries and even doctors’ offices since that is where they may feel incentivised to learn new digital skills. 

Redefining Ok Boomer!

The age-based digital divide has far-reaching consequences in our society, our political landscape, our health systems and our economy. But shifting our approach to ageism to empower senior citizens in the digital era could help “Ok, Boomer!’’ become a term of pride.

Dr Caroline van Dullemen is a lecturer in public administration and organisational science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a specialist in the politics of ageing and Dr Amit Gupta is international relations researcher and senior advisor to the Forum of Federation Ottawa, Canada

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