Dan Levitt: digital equity must be a basic human right for all ages

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One of the most challenging aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the physical and social distancing that further exacerbated pre-pandemic isolation, exclusion and loneliness for older people.

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Reduced access and, in some cases, the total closure of hangouts, neighborhood events, shopping centers, and communities left many older adults relegated to their homes. Younger generations stepped up digital technology to stay connected in applications and social networks, which seemed to expand networks at a time when the physical world was replaced by a virtual world. Healthy adults found new communities by walking, biking, running, and participating in other activities with like-minded people outdoors. For older adults, these opportunities to socialize have been minimized.

With the importance of social connection in mind, the theme of this year’s United Nations International Older People’s Day (1 October) is “Digital Equity for All Ages”.

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According to the United Nations World Report on Age Discrimination, half of the world’s population is by age. Despite the magnitude and harmful effects of stereotypes and discrimination against people based on their age, age discrimination is underreported and is often seen as more tolerable than other forms of discrimination.

We can help combat age discrimination by creating a more inclusive society. A significant improvement in the lives of older people would be to eliminate age discrimination in the use of technology. Digital equity is about a collective effort to democratize technology, and achieving this is a shared responsibility that includes friends and family. Many of us have seen how this strategy strengthens intergenerational relationships. During the pandemic, many young people acted as information technology support for older family and friends.

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Unfortunately, not all older adults have this kind of supportive community. Fortunately, there are volunteers and organizations that have become digital champions, helping older people bring technology into their lives to combat loneliness and isolation. Nationwide, Connected Canada connects older adults with technology, training and support. Locally, United Way Healthy Aging has launched a Digital Learning Project to increase digital literacy among older adults in British Columbia.

Connectivity is important for the growing number of older adults to experience aging in a more positive and empowering way. But there are barriers to accessing technology.

The discriminatory image of older people unable to use technology is demoralizing and discourages older people from using digital devices. When an age group is excluded from accessing programs and services available primarily through technology, it can affect their well-being and undermine their sense of hope through further isolation and social exclusion.

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Digital business marketing campaigns should include images and examples of older people competently engaged in the mastery of technology, emphasizing the value of staying connected, socially engaged, and expanding individual independence and well-being.

There are digital remedies to help combat the devastating impact of the physical and social distancing that we have all experienced during the pandemic, which has further harmed older adults. We can communicate through video chats, introduce adaptive technology such as sensors and wearable devices at home, communicate through smartphones and social media, share musical interests through playlists, and introduce seniors to the latest technologies. emerging.

Together, we can build a sense of community and strengthen civic engagement so that all people, regardless of age, experience digital equity as a basic human right.

Dan Levitt is Executive Director of Kin Village and Adjunct Professor of Gerontology at SFU, Adjunct Professor of Nursing at UBC, and Session Instructor at BCIT.