Future of an Ageing Population

Future of an Ageing Population | Physical, Social and Technological Connectivity
Across all ages, there is a broad ‘digital differentiation’ in technology uptake
within cohorts, usually associated with factors such as material deprivation,
ethnicity, gender, and geographical location 226 (see Figure 7.7). While 99% of
the population earning £40,000 or over use the internet, under 60% of those
earning less than £12,500 do, and while 84-95% of people with qualifications
use the internet, only 40% of those without qualifications do 224 . These
differences are likely to become more entrenched as cohorts enter old age.
Given the potential benefits that technology can bring, it is important to
understand the barriers that can prevent the uptake of new technologies and
the role for government in addressing them. These barriers include a lack of
digital and technological skills as 79% of 65-74 year olds had ‘low’ or ‘no’
internet skills in 2013 70 . Evidence also suggests that many older adults are
ambivalent towards ICT, using it for limited purposes and only when it does
not interfere in their daily lives 70 . Although many older people who do not use
assistive technologies see them as being of tremendous potential benefit to
other older people, they are less willing to contemplate them as options for
themselves 186 . Many older adults perceive ICT to be a luxury and are reluctant
to spend money on items that need continual updates and maintenance 227 .
Many older adults fear that using ICT will have a negative effect on their sense
of privacy and personal security 70 , with choice, control, and fear of reduced
social interaction being key concerns for older people considering assisted
living technologies 228 and telecare 229 . There are also accessibility issues with
some types of technology, and furthermore perceptions of accessibility can
prevent uptake 70 .
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