Bridging the Digital Gap: Seniors and Digital Media

In today’s digital world, being connected online is almost essential for daily life—from booking appointments to staying in touch with loved ones. But what happens to the elderly who aren’t comfortable with technology? Are they being left behind?

Digital Usage Among Seniors: The Latest Numbers

Digital adoption among the elderly is on the rise, but gaps remain. According to AARP (2024), 91% of adults over 50 in the U.S. now own smartphones. In the EU, around 61% of those aged 65–74 used the internet in the past three months (Eurostat). Meanwhile, in Finland, 25% of seniors aged 75–89 reported using social networking sites, and nearly 1 in 5 said they used them daily.

Still, digital exclusion is a real issue—especially for those over 80 or with lower incomes. In France, a study showed that 27% of people over 60 face digital exclusion. This can lead to isolation and difficulty accessing essential services.

Are Online Services Accessible for Seniors?

Services like health, online banking, and social platforms can greatly benefit older adults—but only if they’re accessible. Many still find interfaces confusing or worry about scams. While some seniors navigate these services with ease, others need more support and training to feel confident online.

A Personal Perspective: My Father-in-Law’s Digital Journey

To understand this better, I spoke with my father-in-law, who is 75 and lives in Sri Lanka. He shared that technology didn’t come naturally to him at first. It was intimidating, and he mostly avoided it. But after we moved to Finland, he learned how to use WhatsApp in order to contact us and has started using YouTube—and now uses them daily to stay in touch and watch religious content.

He finds online banking helpful and convenient, though he's still cautious about privacy and scams. He believes local training sessions or help centers specifically for seniors would go a long way in easing the fear and confusion many older people feel about technology.

Final Thoughts

The digital divide isn’t just about devices—it’s about confidence, accessibility, and inclusion. As technology continues to evolve, we need to make sure our seniors aren’t left behind. Simple tools, patient teaching, and thoughtful design can help bridge the gap—and make the digital world a more welcoming place for everyone.​

Addressing Ageism and Digital Exclusion Among Seniors

Latest news & breaking headlines

MPs: UK suffers from 'pervasive ageism' and needs a new strategy

40 days ago

Latest news & breaking headlines

Internet use can make over-50s happier, study finds

132 days ago

References

Eurostat (2020).
Internet use by age group – Statistics Explained.

Retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/edn-20210517-1

Statista (2023).
Social networking usage frequency among 75–89-year-olds in Finland in 2023.

Retrieved from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/543322/social-networking-frequency-in-the-age-group-75-89-years-in-finland     

The Times UK (2025).
MPs: UK suffers from pervasive ageism and needs a new strategy.

Retrieved from: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mps-uk-suffers-from-pervasive-ageism-and-needs-a-new-strategy-3bq6pzlkt   

 

 

 

 

Elderly and Digital Media Services

Digital media plays an increasingly important role in our daily lives, but for elderly people, using these tools can be both beneficial and challenging. A study (SIM Studie 2021; Medienkompass) highlights how older adults interact with digital media and the barriers they face.

 

 

 

 

 

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How Elderly People Use Digital Media

• Television is Key:

  • Those still working watch TV for about 168 minutes a day.

  • Retired individuals watch more, averaging 226 minutes daily (almost 4 hours).

• Access to Devices and the Internet:

  • 78% have access to Wi-Fi at home.

  • 51% use a computer.

  • 61% use a smartphone.

  • 81% use the internet.

• What They Use the Internet For:

  • Most elderly people use the internet to send and read messages on services like email or WhatsApp.

  • They rarely use social media, as many don’t see the point in it.

• Overcoming Barriers:

  • People over 80 often feel unable to use digital media due to age-related challenges or lack of experience.

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The Digital Divide

 

 

 

 

A significant digital divide exists between elderly people and younger generations, especially their families ( according to Investopedia, 2025).

• Families Are More Tech-Savvy:

  • This gap can leave elderly individuals feeling excluded from their communities.

• Why Is It Harder for Elderly People?:

  • Memory decline.

  • How they grew up—in a time without modern technology.

  • Fast changes in technology, which are harder to keep up with. (according to bytefora 2024)
    

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Programs to Support Elderly People

 

 

 

To help bridge this gap, initiatives are being developed to empower elderly people with digital skills.

• ICT Skills 4 All Program:

  • Goals:

    • Teach digital skills.

    • Boost confidence in using technology.

    • Emphasize online safety.

  • Approach:

    • Peer-to-peer support helps those with no prior experience feel more comfortable and capable. (according to ICT Skills 4 All)
      

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Moving Forward

Despite the challenges, society is working hard to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, can participate in the digital world. Programs like ICT Skills 4 All show that with the right support, elderly people can gain confidence, connect with loved ones, and benefit from modern technology. By closing the digital divide, we can create a more inclusive community for all generations.

 

 

 Interview with my uncle

 My uncle finds it easy to use digital devices and enjoys staying updated about the latest developments. He often discusses these updates with his children, my cousins, and they share information and have engaging conversations about their devices. Additionally, my uncle is always there to help my dad with his smartphone, patiently assisting him with any questions he might have.

 He told me: "The Talk  about digital devices is really enjoyable for me. The usage of my phone will help me to stay connected with my friends and my personal environment also the same intrest about phones   keeps the connection to my sons"

References

 

https://www.medienkompass.de/mediennutzung-der-aelteren-generation-ergebnisse-der-sim-studie-seniorinnen-information-medien-1

https://www.investopedia.com/the-digital-divide-5116352

 

https://bytefora.com/understanding-the-digital-divide-why-do-the-elderly-struggle-with-technology/

 

https://ict4theelderly.com/news/4-eu-projects-for-elderly/

 

Digital Media and Elderly People: Bridging the Digital Divide

 

​In today's digital age, the integration of technology into daily life has transformed how we communicate, access information, and utilize services. However, for elderly individuals, particularly those over 70, engaging with digital media presents both opportunities and challenges.​

Digital Media Usage Among Seniors

The adoption of digital media among seniors has seen a notable increase over the past decade. As of 2021, 62% of individuals aged 70 and older reported using smartphones, indicating a growing familiarity with modern technology. Furthermore, social media usage among Americans aged 65 and older rose from 11% in 2010 to 45% in 2021, reflecting a significant shift towards digital engagement in this demographic.

The Digital Divide and Social Inclusion

Despite these advancements, a digital divide persists. Accessibility challenges, limited digital literacy, and socioeconomic disparities can hinder seniors from fully participating in the digital world. This exclusion can lead to feelings of isolation, as many social interactions, services, and information sources have migrated online. Research indicates that seniors without access to electronic devices decreased from 28.8% in 2017 to 23.2% in 2020, yet a substantial portion remains disconnected. Addressing this gap is crucial for ensuring that seniors remain integrated into the broader community.

Online Services and Accessibility

Many services are now available online, offering convenience and efficiency. For seniors, telemedicine has become particularly beneficial, allowing them to consult healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes, thus reducing the need for frequent clinic visits. However, the accessibility of these services to the elderly depends on user-friendly design and the availability of support resources. Ensuring that digital platforms are intuitive and accommodating to the needs of older adults is essential for their effective use.

Personal Perspective: Staying Connected Across Distances

Consider the experience of an elderly individual whose son resides abroad. To bridge the physical distance, she embraced digital media, learning to use video calling platforms to maintain regular communication. This adaptation not only allowed her to see and speak with her son frequently but also empowered her to explore other online services, enhancing her confidence and digital literacy. Her journey underscores the potential of technology to enrich the lives of seniors when they receive the necessary support and encouragement.

Conclusion

While challenges remain, the increasing adoption of digital media by seniors over 70 is a positive trend. By addressing the digital divide through accessible design, educational initiatives, and supportive communities, we can ensure that elderly individuals are not left behind in our rapidly evolving digital society.

sources

Faverio, M. (2022, January 13). Share of those 65 and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/01/13/share-of-those-65-and-older-who-are-tech-users-has-grown-in-the-past-decade

‌Philip. (2020, August 13). 21 Senior Technology Statistics. California Mobility. https://californiamobility.com/21-senior-technology-statistics

‌Yang, R., Gao, S., & Jiang, Y. (2024). Digital divide as a determinant of health in the U.S. older adults: prevalence, trends, and risk factors. BMC Geriatrics, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-024-05612-y

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Digital Divide: Are Seniors Being Left Behind?

The digital world moves fast, but not everyone keeps the same pace. For our elderly population (those over 70), technology can feel like a foreign language. Let's explore what research tells us about seniors and digital media.

The Numbers Tell a Story

Recent studies show that while digital adoption among seniors is growing, a significant gap remains. According to Pew Research Center, as of 2021, about 75% of Americans aged 65+ use the internet, but this drops to around 61% for those 75 and older. Smartphone ownership follows a similar pattern - nearly 61% of those 65+ own smartphones, but only about 43% among those 75+.

The concept of a "digital divide" is very real for this age group. When essential services move online - from banking to healthcare appointments - those without digital skills can become isolated from their communities.

Online Services: A Mixed Blessing

Many services have moved online, including:

• Healthcare portals for appointment booking and prescription refills
• Banking and bill payments
• Government services and benefits applications
• Shopping and grocery delivery
• Social connections with family and friends

A good example is Medicare's online portal, which allows seniors to manage their healthcare benefits. While designed to be convenient, many seniors struggle with the multiple steps required to create accounts, remember passwords, and navigate the interface.

A Personal Perspective: My Conversation with Grandma Ruth

I spoke with my 78-year-old grandmother about her digital experiences. Here's what she shared:

"I try to keep up, but everything changes so fast. I finally learned to use Facebook to see pictures of my grandchildren, then everyone moved to Instagram. Now they're all on something called TikTok!"

Ruth enjoys video calls with family but finds online banking intimidating. "I worry about security. What if I press the wrong button and lose all my money?"

Her greatest need? "I wish things would stay the same long enough for me to learn them properly. And I wish there was someone patient enough to show me how, without making me feel stupid."

Bridging the Gap

For seniors to benefit from digital services, we need:

• Simplified interfaces with larger text and intuitive navigation
• In-person training opportunities at senior centers and libraries
• Family members who take time to teach and support
• Companies that consider older users in their design process

As our population ages, ensuring digital inclusion becomes increasingly important. It's not just about access to technology, but about maintaining connections to community, services, and loved ones.

BLOG THEME 4: How to do adult social work in digital media environment? - Services for immigrants

 

Empowering Immigrants in Finland: Digital Solutions in Social Work

In Finland, digitalization has transformed social work services, making them more accessible to immigrants. By using technology, Finland has improved integration, communication, and support for newcomers. This blog explores how digital platforms and tools enhance immigrant services and the methods used in the digital social work environment.

Digital Services for Immigrants in Finland

1. Integration.fi Digital Platform

The Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has developed Integration.fi, a multilingual online platform that provides essential resources for immigrants. This service includes:

• Information on integration and legal rights

• Guidance on language courses and employment opportunities

• Support for professionals assisting immigrants

This digital service ensures that immigrants have easy access to the information they need. Learn more.

2. Partnership Platform for Integration

Finland has launched a digital partnership platform to promote collaboration between organizations involved in immigrant integration. This initiative allows social workers, NGOs, and government agencies to share resources and improve services.

The platform enhances cooperation and helps immigrants navigate their new environment. Read about the initiative.

3. Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) Digital Transformation

Migri, Finland’s Immigration Service, has embraced digitalization with the Smart Digital Agency program, offering:

• Self-service portals for residency and nationality applications

• Online appointment booking and application tracking

• Virtual assistance through chatbots and AI tools

This transformation reduces paperwork and waiting times, making immigration services more efficient. More details here.

Client Work Methods in Digital Media Environments

Social workers in Finland use digital tools to assist immigrants in various ways:

• Video Conferencing for Counseling – Platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams enable remote therapy and support sessions.

• Mobile Applications – Apps provide legal aid, employment information, and language-learning resources.

• AI Chatbots & Virtual Assistants – Automated systems help immigrants with paperwork, housing applications, and asylum processes.

• Online Community Engagement – Facebook groups, Telegram channels, and WhatsApp communities create networks where immigrants can seek advice and share experiences.

Research and Theoretical Perspectives

Studies highlight both the advantages and challenges of digitalizing social work services:

1. Digital Exclusion in Welfare Services – This study explores how digitalization may create barriers for some immigrants and suggests strategies to ensure inclusivity. Read more.

Conclusion

Finland’s approach to digital social work for immigrants demonstrates how technology can enhance accessibility and efficiency. By integrating digital platforms, mobile applications, and AI-driven solutions, Finland continues to improve support for newcomers, making integration a smoother process.

Do you have experiences with Finland’s digital immigrant services? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🚀✨

References

Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. (n.d.). Integration services for immigrants. Retrieved from https://kotoutuminen.fi/en/services

European Commission. (2023). Finland: New digital platform for integration and social inclusion launched. Retrieved from https://migrant-integration.ec.europa.eu/news/finland-new-digital-platform-integration-and-social-inclusion-launched_en

Finnish Immigration Service. (2016). Accenture to assist Finnish Immigration Service in delivering digital transformation program. Retrieved from https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/2016/accenture-to-assist-finnish-immigration-service-deliver-digital-transformation-program

Pirttiaho, S. (2022). Digital exclusion in Finnish welfare services: The case of immigrants. Theseus.fi. Retrieved from https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/10024/798848/2/Pirttiaho_Suvi.pdf

SHS Conferences. (2024). Digital social work practices and the role of technology in social inclusion. SHS Web of Conferences, 150, 05005. Retrieved from https://www.shs-conferences.org/articles/shsconf/pdf/2024/04/shsconf_shw2023_05005.pdf

 

Adult Social Work in the Digital Media Environment: Enhancing Mental Health Support

Introduction

• Discuss how digital transformation has changed social work practice
• Highlight the growing importance of digital literacy for social workers
• Emphasize the unique opportunities and challenges of providing mental health support online

Digital Tools for Mental Health Assessment

• Telehealth platforms for remote assessments
• Digital screening tools and questionnaires
• Electronic health records and data management systems
• Privacy considerations and secure communication channels

Effective Online Therapeutic Relationships

• Building rapport in virtual environments
• Compensating for reduced nonverbal cues
• Managing boundaries in digital spaces
• Maintaining professional presence across platforms

Evidence-Based Digital Interventions

• App-based cognitive behavioral therapy
• Virtual support groups and community forums
• Text-based crisis intervention
• Digital mindfulness and stress reduction programs

Addressing the Digital Divide

• Strategies for working with clients with limited tech access
• Supporting older adults and technology-resistant clients
• Affordable connectivity solutions
• Simplified tools for diverse populations

Ethical Considerations

• Privacy and confidentiality in digital environments
• Informed consent for virtual services
• Managing emergencies in remote settings
• Navigating licensure and jurisdiction issues

Building Digital Communities for Support

• Creating safe online spaces for peer support
• Moderating online groups effectively
• Leveraging social media for awareness and destigmatization
• Evaluating the quality of online support networks

Professional Development in Digital Social Work

• Essential digital competencies for today's social workers
• Continuing education opportunities
• Certification in digital mental health services
• Staying current with emerging technologies

Conclusion

• The future of integrated online and in-person mental health support
• Embracing innovation while maintaining core social work values
• Advocating for improved digital infrastructure in social services

Adult Social Work in the Digital Media Environment: Helping the Unemployed

 

In today’s fast-paced digital world, social work has evolved beyond traditional face-to-face interactions. Digital media now plays a vital role in supporting unemployed individuals by providing career guidance, emotional support, and skill development opportunities. Social workers leverage online platforms, websites, and social media to connect with job seekers, offering services such as career counseling, resume-building assistance, and interview preparation. Virtual job fairs and online workshops make employment services more accessible, ensuring that individuals can receive support regardless of their location or circumstances.

Unemployment can have a significant impact on both mental and financial well-being, often leading to stress, anxiety, and a sense of isolation. Digital platforms create safe spaces where individuals can seek emotional support, participate in virtual counseling sessions, and join online peer support groups. Many organizations now offer chat services, email consultations, and interactive webinars focused on financial planning, career development, and personal growth. These digital tools not only provide guidance but also empower individuals to regain confidence and take proactive steps toward employment.

The integration of digital media in social work has made services more efficient, inclusive, and far-reaching. However, digital solutions should be balanced with personalized human interactions to ensure that no one is left behind. Not everyone is comfortable with technology, and some individuals may require additional support to navigate online resources effectively. Social workers play a crucial role in bridging this gap, guiding job seekers through the digital landscape while maintaining a human-centered approach.

As technology continues to shape the future of social work, the core mission remains unchanged—helping individuals find stability, purpose, and a path to a better future. By embracing digital tools while preserving the essence of compassionate care, social workers can create meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of those seeking employment.

sources:

https://www.ifsw.org/

https://www.weforum.org/

https://www.ilo.org/

https://www.socialworkers.org/