Experiences of ageism and digital technology use among older adults – Frontiers

Report on the Impact of Ageism on Digital Technology Use Among Older Adults in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: The Digital Divide as a Barrier to Sustainable Development

This report summarizes the findings of a qualitative study investigating the relationship between ageism and the use of digital technologies by older adults. Digital inclusion is a critical enabler for achieving numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on health, education, and equality. However, the digital divide among older adults persists, creating significant barriers to sustainable development. This study posits that ageism, an often-overlooked factor, is a key driver of this divide, directly impacting the achievement of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by marginalizing a significant population segment. Furthermore, it impedes progress towards SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by limiting access to digital health services and lifelong learning opportunities.

2.0 Research Objective and Methodology

The primary objective of this research was to analyze how older adults’ experiences of internalized and relational ageism relate to their engagement with digital technologies. The study sought to understand how these experiences differ between confident and hesitant technology users.

• Research Strategy: A qualitative approach using focus group discussions was employed to gather in-depth insights.
• Participants: Thirteen adults aged 65 to 82 (4 males, 9 females) participated.
• Data Collection: Two separate focus groups were conducted:
  1. Group 1: Six participants identified as confident digital technology users.
  2. Group 2: Seven participants identified as hesitant digital technology users.
• Data Analysis: Thematic analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti software to identify key patterns and themes related to ageism and technology use.

3.0 Key Findings: Ageism’s Role in Undermining SDG Targets

The analysis revealed that both internalized and relational forms of ageism significantly shape older adults’ digital experiences, creating obstacles to achieving inclusive and equitable societies as envisioned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

3.1 Internalized Ageism and its Impact on SDG 4 and SDG 10

• Internalized ageism, where individuals adopt negative societal stereotypes about their own age group, was found to have a multifaceted negative influence on digital technology adoption.
• This self-perception acts as a barrier to lifelong learning, directly challenging the principles of SDG 4 (Quality Education), which advocates for inclusive educational opportunities for all ages.
• By fostering self-doubt and reducing motivation to learn new digital skills, internalized ageism perpetuates the inequality targeted by SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

3.2 Relational Ageism as a Barrier to SDG 3 and SDG 11

• Participants reported experiencing both subtle and overt forms of relational ageism from family, friends, and service providers, which negatively influenced their digital engagement.
• These experiences undermine efforts to create age-friendly environments and inclusive communities, a core component of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• When older adults are dismissed or patronized during interactions related to technology, their access to essential digital services, including telehealth, is compromised, thereby hindering progress on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

3.3 Divergent Experiences and the Paradoxical Effect of Ageism

• A significant divergence was observed between the two participant groups, highlighting a critical factor in digital resilience.
  1. Confident Users: Described social interactions that helped them resist ageist stereotypes. For this group, experiences of ageism sometimes acted as a motivator to prove stereotypes wrong and master digital technologies.
  2. Hesitant Users: Recalled interactions that reinforced negative age-related stereotypes, which hindered their digital engagement and deepened their exclusion.
• This paradoxical impact suggests that while individual resilience is a factor, the overarching societal challenge of ageism must be addressed to ensure that technology empowers rather than marginalizes, in line with the universal inclusion principle of the SDGs.

4.0 Conclusion and Recommendations for Advancing the SDGs

The study concludes that ageism is a significant and detrimental factor contributing to the digital divide among older adults. Addressing this issue is not merely a matter of technological training but is fundamental to promoting social justice and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. To bridge this gap and ensure no one is left behind, the following actions are recommended:

1. Integrate Anti-Ageism into Digital Literacy Programs (SDG 4, SDG 10): Digital inclusion initiatives must explicitly address and counter internalized and relational ageism. Curricula should be designed to build confidence and challenge negative stereotypes about aging and technology.
2. Promote Intergenerational Co-Design of Technology (SDG 9, SDG 17): To foster innovation that is truly inclusive, technology developers and policymakers should partner with older adults in the design and testing of digital products and services. This aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
3. Launch Public Awareness Campaigns (SDG 10, SDG 16): Public campaigns are needed to challenge ageist stereotypes in society, particularly those related to technological competence, thereby fostering stronger and more inclusive institutions as per SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
4. Support Further Research: Additional research is required to explore the intersection of ageism and other forms of inequality (e.g., gender, socio-economic status) in various socio-cultural contexts to develop targeted and effective interventions.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article connects digital inclusion directly to the well-being of older adults. It opens by stating, “Digital inclusion offers many opportunities to support well-being,” suggesting that bridging the digital divide is a pathway to improving the quality of life and health outcomes for this demographic.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  This goal is relevant through its focus on access to technology. The article’s central theme is the “digital divide among older adults,” which is fundamentally an issue of unequal access to and use of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure. The study explores social barriers (ageism) that prevent a segment of the population from benefiting from this infrastructure.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The research focuses on “ageism” and its impact on the “digital divide,” which are clear examples of inequality based on age. The study analyzes how internalized and relational ageism creates disadvantages and excludes older adults from digital engagement, thereby perpetuating social inequality.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social inclusion of all, irrespective of age.

   The article directly addresses this target by investigating the barriers to digital inclusion for older adults. The “digital divide” is a form of social exclusion in an increasingly digital world. By examining how ageism prevents older adults from using digital technologies, the study highlights a key challenge to achieving full social inclusion for people of all ages.

2. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome.

   The study explores how ageism, a discriminatory attitude, leads to unequal outcomes in digital literacy and use. It notes that for “hesitant users,” interactions with others “reinforced stereotypes,” hindering their digital engagement. This demonstrates a lack of equal opportunity for older adults to participate in the digital sphere, which this target aims to eliminate.

3. Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology.

   While the target specifically mentions providing universal access in least developed countries, its principle applies globally to underserved populations. The article’s focus on the “digital divide among older adults” points to a gap in universal access to ICT. The research implies that achieving this target requires not only providing physical infrastructure but also overcoming social barriers like ageism that limit its use.

4. Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.

   The article’s premise that “Digital inclusion offers many opportunities to support well-being” links directly to this target. By identifying ageism as a barrier to digital inclusion, the study suggests that tackling ageism could be a strategy to improve access to digital tools that support social connection, access to information, and overall mental well-being for older adults.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article, being a qualitative study, does not mention official quantitative SDG indicators. However, it implies several qualitative and quantitative measures that could be used to track progress:

• Rate of digital technology use among older adults

  This is a primary implied indicator. The study’s division of participants into “confident” and “hesitant” users suggests that the proportion of older adults who actively and confidently use digital technology is a key metric for measuring the digital divide (relevant to Targets 9.c and 10.2).

• Prevalence of experienced ageism related to technology use

  The study’s methodology of using focus groups to explore “internalized and relational ageism” suggests that progress could be measured by tracking the frequency and nature of reported ageist experiences among older adults. A reduction in such reported experiences would indicate progress towards Target 10.3.

• Self-reported well-being in relation to digital engagement

  The article links digital inclusion to well-being. An implied indicator would be the measurement of well-being levels among older adults, correlated with their level of digital access and skills. An increase in well-being associated with greater digital inclusion would demonstrate progress towards Target 3.4.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: frontiersin.org