A Wake Up Call: Digital Literacy is Now Essential for Older People's Health, Independence and Happiness

Let's face it. Our familiar and traditional ways of conducting our lives have become increasingly frustrating, inefficient, and unproductive.  

Telephone calls often appear fruitless. Getting information about a product or service, resolving billing disputes, examining doctors' lab results, or even scheduling health care appointments can mean navigating endless phone menus or speaking to uninformed and uninterested agents or receptionists.  

Some restaurants don't accept a telephone call to make a reservation. 

And be realistic: your grandchildren are not keen on talking to you by telephone.   

Many in-person retail transactions are also a downer. Trekking to a clothing or hardware store is disappointing when sales staff seem uninformed about their merchandise or when we learn that our preferred jeans are not on the shelves. 

The mail system, once reliable, now struggles with delays. Bills arrive late, and when we send in our payments by check, vendors receive them past the due date. And relying on mail to get reliable physician updates—forget it.  

And then there's this warning from one of our largest banks: "If you must mail a check, drop it off at the post office instead of putting it in a mailbox where it can be stolen. Then confirm with the recipient that they received your check."  

Really? All that trouble just to pay a bill? 

Technological Change is Happening at a Fast Clip 

These are not just short-term inconveniences likely to go away but rather a product of rapid digital technology advancements requiring that we do things differently. So many aspects of modern life now involve digital devices, internet connectivity, software apps, online transactions, social media, and, yes, artificial intelligence (AI).  

Now, we can get our questions answered using Google searches or, more recently, AI queries with ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Perplexity. And without leaving our homes, we can obtain all kinds of merchandise, feel entertained, get healthcare, manage financial affairs, avoid loneliness, and communicate with loved ones.  

Even traveling to destinations in our communities by hailing Uber or Lyft ridesharing services relies on digital technology—our iPhones. 

Like it or not, digital literacy is no longer a luxury. Like reading and writing, it has become a necessity.  

Learning New Stuff 

Becoming comfortable using this new technology need not be overwhelming. It does not mean mastering all the ins and outs of digital devices or software programs. Most of us can't explain how our digital TVs work. Instead, it is only about acquiring enough know-how to become digitally connected with our favorite internet or digital destinations. This requires three tasks: 

1. Get Reliable Internet Connectivity 

   Our homes must have affordable, high-speed internet. Without it, access to digital tools and resources is severely limited. 

2.  Get User-Friendly Digital Devices 
   We must pick our favorite digital tool—a desktop computer, laptop, tablet (an iPad), or smartphone (an iPhone or Android device). Voice-activated assistants like Amazon Echo or Google Nest can also help by performing tasks through simple voice commands. 

3.  Get Essential Apps and Internet Links (Computer Icons) to Reach Digital Destinations 
   We must install essential applications or software apps and internet/browser addresses (URLs) on our digital devices. These typically appear as icons or shortcuts on their screens (e.g., Zoom, FaceTime, Amazon, Costco). 

These apps and links are the modern equivalent of the roads and sidewalks we have always used to reach our traditional stores and offices. Now, they help us crisscross the internet to meet our daily needs. With a tap, swipe, or voice command, we can: 

• Message or video chat with family via FaceTime or Zoom. 

• Manage appointments and get lab results through health/physician portals. 

• Update and get medications delivered 

• Order all kinds of merchandise, groceries, or restaurant meals 

• Accomplish online banking and deposit checks 

• Stream movies and music or play online games 

• Get information on any topic 

Older People's Homes Can Be Part of Their Digital Environment 

Beyond smartphones and tablets, we can equip our homes with other digital tools, making our abodes and bodies comfortable and safe. 

• Emergency response systems that detect falls or unusual behavior 

• Smart home devices that control lighting, thermostats, and locks 

• Wearables such as smartwatches or fitness rings that track our health metrics 

• Voice-activated social robots like Paro the seal, Aibo the dog, or the Huggable teddy bear offering companionship and easing loneliness 

The Good and the Bad News 

The good news is that older people's digital literacy is steadily increasing. The bad news is they still lag behind the young. And this progress masks a persistent challenge: many older adults still lack confidence in using this technology.  

Poorly designed digital devices deter those with visual, hearing, or motor impairments. Other hurdles, like apps not always working, confusing menus, frequent system updates, and two-factor authentication, can frustrate even experienced users. Older people get tired of keeping up. 

And they have valid concerns. Will AI know too much about us? Are our privacy and data secure? Will we be vulnerable to financial scams? 

Others remain skeptical of technology altogether and are less open to change. A typical response: It's not for me—I did without this technology my whole life—why now?  

Of course, it is essential to debate the benefits and downsides of these digital trends. However, older people turn their backs on this new technology only at their own peril.  

One Simple Solution—The Public Library 

Where can older people turn to enhance their digital literacy? Friends and families—especially grandchildren—are obvious resources. They can also look for nonprofit or government-sponsored organizations like senior centers or older adult centres offering a range of digitally-focused programs and services. 

Groups like OATS/Senior Planet, Senior Tech Training, Connected Canadians, and HelpAge Canada-Let's Connect are excellent sources, but may require online access to get started.   

Fortunately, most older adults have another, easy-to-find, though often overlooked, ally to make their digital transition: their public libraries. We may already recognize them as excellent digital centers of knowledge and information, giving online users access to a wealth of reading and video material.  

However, they are also a pathway for those seeking to advance their digital literacy.  

They typically offer unrestricted use of their Wi-Fi-connected computers, perfect for older people who are not yet ready to take the digital plunge by committing to owning a device or paying for home internet.  

Others offer digital literacy training and workshops for older people or one-on-one tech help for those seeking more personalized assistance. In a friendly social environment, older people can ask questions without fear of condescension. 

The Future is Clear 

Digital technologies fueled by artificial intelligence will only play a greater role in our lives, and older people have much to gain. 

These solutions can help them avoid feeling alone or dependent on others. And if they have difficulties getting to places in their community, it may make it easier for them to age in place rather than move.  

Achieving digital literacy does not have to be intimidating. It is never too late to learn. We all want to manage our affairs better, get more things done, and exercise control over our lives. 

With good support and a positive mindset, older adults can confidently navigate their virtual worlds.