Although 10 years ago, Internet use among older people was not widespread, new technologies are now available to all generations. Despite the persistence of a digital divide, the use of mobile phones and the Internet is increasing significantly among seniors. While the advantages of the Internet are numerous, support for purchasing equipment and learning about digital technology is fundamental for our seniors to master new technologies.
What is the relationship of older people to the internet?
According to a study by Petits Frères des Pauvres in 2018 (1), a quarter of those over 60 never use the Internet , testifying to a digital divide increasing the isolation of older people , seniors do not reject new technologies as much. According to Crédoc, 10.5 million French Internet users are over 50 years old. Initiates devote a lot of time to it, to the point of sometimes being unable to do without it. Among those over 70 in 2014, almost one in two people had:
- Computer,
- Cell phone ,
- Internet connection.
But those over 70 who are not connected suffer from difficulty in mastering the use of digital technology, an observation reflecting the importance of support.
And yet in 2017, 8 out of 10 seniors believe that it improves daily life and 4 out of 10 are equipped with a smartphone, computer and touchscreen tablet . They of course used it more than 5 years ago and also think that their use will only increase in the future.
For what use?
- Receive and send emails,
- Use online banking services,
- Communicate via social networks,
- Go shopping
- etc.
This last activity is even widely practiced by connected seniors: 9 out of 10 seniors buy on the web and more than half do it several times a month. Pragmatic, they also use it to obtain information (particularly regarding health), manage their travel and administrative formalities.
Internet for the elderly: what are the advantages?
The advantages of everyday computing are undeniable:
- Communication with loved ones,
- Entertainment,
- Information,
- Shopping while staying at home…
So many acts made it easier for everyone. The most important thing is social: messaging applications, emails and social networks allow seniors to maintain continuous contact with their loved ones and develop their social ties . Easy access to information, favored by older people who regularly use the Internet, also reinforces the feeling of being connected to society.
The Internet is also a source of pleasure and daily leisure, satisfying the need to be informed and educated easily from home or via your smartphone, without external assistance. It allows you to occupy your free time and combat boredom.
Finally, the Internet saves time in administrative procedures . Here too, seniors perceive this advantage which liberates and reassures them, even if it depends on their level of mastery and confidence in their use of the web.
Thus, thanks to digital technology, elderly people have access at any time to the latest family news, in photos and videos, and to almost unlimited sources of information concerning the subjects that interest them. The Internet thus encourages them to stay active, be more independent and more easily in contact with those around them.
Better support for seniors wishing to use the internet
Given these advantages and to reduce the digital divide among seniors, training and support for learning to use the web are becoming more widespread .
More and more organizations, in conjunction with municipalities which make their media library available, are offering digital workshops to train people over 60 free of charge in small groups . Their objective is to reassure and overcome their apprehension in the face of uses that they are unfamiliar with, to overcome the blockages of this category of Internet users and to reassure them in the face of the difficulties encountered in their current procedures on the Internet.
On the device side, technologies are adapted for seniors so that they are comfortable to use the interfaces are more intuitive and readable, ergonomics are improved:
- Character size,
- Sensitivity of larger screens,
- Large simplified menus
This compensates for unsteady movements or handicaps such as deafness or poor eyesight. Some manufacturers even provide an “assistance” button to call a loved one and get help in the event of a problem.
Let’s not forget that it is also within family and trusted loved ones that our elders can be helped in their daily learning of the Internet. Due to its beneficial effect on autonomy and solitude, the adoption of new technologies by seniors must therefore be a priority development which requires the commitment of everyone at the public and private level.
