Why should we care about the extent to which older people are connected to the Internet?

1. Arguments for
Keeping
the Elderly
Connected
www.flickr.com/photos/gamutless/
To Technology and
the Internet

2. In 2014, Canadian citizens over 55 used the internet almost 3 times fewer
than the average millennial.1 This trend is similar across the entire developed
world. In an era when the Internet is at the heart of the majority of our daily
interactions, how can we improve elderly people’s access to the Internet
while avoiding the drawbacks it brings along with it? www.flickr.com/photos/gamutless/

3. A recent report by AgeUK found that 31% of
couples over 65 and 64% of single 65+
households have no access to the Internet in
the UK. 2 While age in itself is a huge factor
behind this, other reasons why older people
don’t have Internet access include:
• Income
• Self-perceived Health Status
• Mobility
• Self-perceived Memory and Ability to
Concentrate

4. Barriers to using the
internet that older people
face
Perceived difficulty of
learning at an older age
Worry about breaking
expensive technology
Looking stupid in
front of friends and
relatives
The feeling that technology is moving
too fast
Lack of a social network
Lacking basic skills
and training

5. Those who feel
comfortable
enough with
using the
Internet
appreciate
their benefits
the same as
everyone else

6. Benefits of Being Connected to the
Internet
Less likely to constantly
feel isolated
More ways to share
thoughts and memories
before the next
gathering
Possibility to
accomplish more from
home

7. Downsides of being disconnected from the internet
1: Having to rely on modes of communication younger generations no longer
use
2: Increased stress on personal body i.e. when going outside
to do shopping, travel
3: Feeling less capable, possibly leading to resentment
towards society
https://www.flickr.com/photos/126080240@N07/

8. So just like everyone else,
elderly people need the
Internet to navigate their daily
lives and communicate with
their loved ones.

9. Technology can be a crutch for those
who are isolated from their support
networks.3
https://www.flickr.com/photos/erix/

10. Provided that:
1 - People feel in control of the technology
they are using (i.e. simplicity)
2 – It supports independence, rather than
increasing dependence on the tech
3 – It doesn’t feel like it infringes upon
one’s privacy.4

11. APersonalStory…
In2012,myFrenchGrandmotherandGrandfatherhadan
amicabledivorce,leavingmyGrandmothertofindanewplace
forherselfattheageof64.
UnlikemyGrandfather,whoreceivedafairpensionfromthe
government,myGrandmotherhadbeeninandoutofformal
workherentirelife,soherpensionwasthebareminimum.The
divorceleftherpoorandisolated,untilsheadoptedtheinternet
amonthaftermovingintohernewphone.Whileshecould
alwaysphoneorwritetooafamilymember,shecannowalso
Skypeanyoneatnocost,sendemails,lookfordealsat
supermarketsbeforeheadingouttodogroceriesandsellher
homemadejamsandknittedherbbagsonline.

12. The Principle
Being connected to the Internet allows the world
not only to become more connected, but to also
cut down the barriers of distance and open up new
opportunities that we previously didn't have. By
having some sections of the population obtaining
greater overall access to the Internet than
others, not only do we create economic
inequalities but social ones also. Having access to
the Internet does not necessitate its constant
use, but it does allow older people to avoid
feelings of isolation, of feeling uncapable and
avoid wasting money.

13. https://www.flickr.com/photos/sozialhelden/

14. Technology that can be used by the elderly needs to take several things into mind
Durability: Older people tend to
press upon smartphones harder than
most people, and shaking from
tremors may be mistaken by a
touchscreen as a swipe
The technology needs to be simplified
and empowering; a complicated interface
will only leave an elderly person feeling
confused or frustrated
Practical: Technology that will seem more relevant to an older person leans
more towards completing tasks and removing barriers rather than being
used for leisure

15. Future Solutions
Lively: A medical alert
smartwatch, along with
sensors allows for a quick
medical response to an
emergency while remaining
practical and stylish.
Tablets with pensioner-
friendly software; an
easier experience with
fewer things on
screen to press and
accessible support
guides.
GPS insoles: Placing
these inside the
shoes of someone
with Alzheimer’s
allows others to find
them in case they
wonder off.
Fitness trackers with
a simple interface are
helpful when trying to
maintain a healthy
weight and blood
pressure.

16. Conclusion
The challenges of bringing the Internet and new technologies to older
generations cannot be dismissed as being down to their intolerance for
change, but must be viewed in light of the difficulties they face that younger
individuals may not.
Governments will never have enough resources or consideration to support
older people in better accessing the benefits of technology and the Internet,
leaving strategies to be community-focused and entrepreneurial.5 All in all,
the extent to which older people can become more connected to society and
relatives depends not only on their willingness to make these new inventions
work, but also on our willingness to make those things work for our older
loved ones.

17. Bibliography
Damant, Jacqueline, Martin Knapp, and Candy Gibson. "Internet Is Both Harming and Helping Older People in Social Interactions." The London
School of Economics and Political Science. August 13, 2015. http://www.lse.ac.uk/newsAndMedia/news/archives/2015/08/Internet-older-
adults.aspx.
2 Green, Marcus, and Phil Rossall. "Digital Inclusion Evidence Review." 2013. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN-GB/For-
professionals/Research/Age UK Digital Inclusion Evidence Review 2013.pdf?dtrk=true.
3Gustke, Constance. "Technology, While Not a Fountain of Youth, Can Make Aging ..." The New York Times. July 24, 2015.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/25/your-money/technology-while-not-a-fountain-of-youth-can-make-aging-safer.html.
1 Krashinsky, Susan. "Four Ways Canadians Are Consuming Media Differently." The Globe and Mail. December 04, 2014.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/marketing/four-ways-canadians-are-consuming-media-
differently/article21949630/.
5McGee, Craig, Craig Kielburger, and Marc Kielburger. "Have Your Say: How Can We Help Canadians Gain Better Access to the Internet?" The
Globe and Mail. April 21, 2014. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/giving/have-your-say-how-can-we-help-canadians-gain-better-access-
to-the-internet/article15585113/.
Mears, Teresa. "10 Essential Tech Tools for Older Adults | Retirement | US ..." U.S.news. November 16, 2015.
http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2015/11/16/10-essential-tech-tools-for-older-adults.
4Sloan, David, and Sergio Sayago. "Older People and Their Use of the Internet.“ 2014. https://www.nominettrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/NT
IP 1 - Older people and their use of the internet (FINAL).pdf.
Wakefield, Jane. "The Generation That Tech Forgot." BBC News. May 25, 2015. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-32511489.