Despite good intentions, seniors are left behind with digital progress
Seniors are missing out on access to online banking, public safety alerts and essential government services because they don’t know how to use the latest digital media platforms.
With COVID-19 driving so many services exclusively online, we surveyed 80 of our clients to find out which services seniors were least able to access digitally.
The survey revealed that 78 per cent struggled to access government services online, closely followed by finance and banking at 72 per cent. Public safety information such as the Fires Near Me and COVID-19 contact tracing apps came in at 66 per cent.
The overwhelming majority – 93 per cent – said that aged care providers could help connect seniors with digital access and skills.
We also looked at nine recent examples where the drive for delivery through digital and contactless initiatives assume a level of digital access or ability. For example cashless transactions, QR codes and telehealth consultations.
Our survey findings are a reminder that as progress rolls on, the vulnerable in our society will become even more isolated unless we are alert to their needs and design for them.
In our work with seniors, we know they love to learn – and once they have the devices in their hands and are provided with some training to help them make the most of them, there’s no stopping them. Providers of these services need to be alert to the exclusion they are creating, despite their best intentions