Social isolation of the elderly in the age of digitalization: barriers, problems and solutions

Abstract

In this paper, the concern of this study focuses on the patterns of social isolation among the elderly in relation to the roles of technology advancement as well as the insights of pulling barriers and difficulties, and conversation of feasible strategies. Technological advancement has created great impacts on the communication, service delivery and participation in social related activities. But elderly people encounter such problems of digital divide has social isolation because of financial constraint, lack of access to new technologies, and fear among others. They are discussing further in this paper what social outcomes this exclusion entails: worsening mental health, cognitive deficits, and decreased social interaction. By comparing international and regional programmes like ‘Digital Seniors’ of Germany and ‘Connected Elders’ of Canada, the study gives an insight into successful
examples preventing the digital divide. In addressing these questions, the research uses qualitative interviews alongside secondary data analysis for the generation of key findings. All in All, the study underscores the need for Governments, private
sectors and non-profit organizations to work together towards achieving the vision of a digitally inclusive economies. It will be pertinent to make the elderly people of the society able to access the gadgets and get the benefit of IT to ease their life, it is a
moral duty as well as a fundamental requirement to bridge the digital divide. Education and financial initiatives are proposed as critical recommendations on targeted educational interventions and funding to support device access, together with
employing VR and AI in engaging elderly people. As such, this study enriches the public discussion of the problem of social inclusion in the context of digital technologies’ usage while providing practical recommendations for enhancing the well-being of the elderly.