Seniors and technology: barriers, digital inclusion, and emerging trends
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Abstract
Digital technologies are growing in importance in healthcare, communication, finance and everyday life. However, there are still older adults who struggle to adopt and use digital tools with ease. This paper investigates the challenges that seniors face as they adapt to a rapidly changing digital landscape by exploring topics such as digital inclusion, technology barriers, socio-economic inequality, psychological barriers and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The studies that we reviewed indicate that access to devices and the internet is not enough for digital inclusion; confidence, practical skills, affordability and social support also matter. Such involvement, however, needs to be supported with need-based training, inclusive design, and sustained support structures.
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References
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