2024, Vol. 6, Issue 6, Part A

Author(s): Bushra Faridi and Dr. Shahla Shabeeh Shaheen

Abstract: Several issues are associated with the ageing world’s population, especially in emerging nations like India. Since 71% of older persons live in rural locations, healthcare is getting more complex. A potential remedy is digital literacy, which provides remote access to self-awareness and medical services. This study investigates the use of technology and digital literacy among older people. This paper identified some of the challenges faced by older people and to what extent senior citizens living in various places are digitally literate, as well as the main obstacles keeping older people from using digital technologies for self-care and accessing healthcare services. Using a mixed-method approach, the study analyses data using both qualitative and descriptive quantitative data analysis.The result reveals that only 11% of rural older people reported being proficient with digital devices, a worrying trend in their low digital literacy. Although 50% of participants own a mobile phone, the percentage of people who own a smartphone and use the internet for health-related activities is still substantially lower—less than 10% of participants use these tools. 80% % of males use the Internet, but only 20% of females use it. The study clarifies the fundamental causes of the widespread use of technology among older people, such as their lack of exposure and comfort level with digital gadgets. Further impeding older individuals’ adoption of technology are obstacles, including low levels of traditional literacy and age-related physical limitations like blurred vision. The present study highlights the pressing necessity of tackling the digital divide among older people residing in rural areas, specifically focusing on healthcare access. This study will be helpful for policymakers and health professionals to enable older individuals to use digital technology for self-care and remote access to healthcare services; initiatives to advance digital literacy and offer customised training programmes are crucial. Policymakers and healthcare professionals can improve senior citizens’ general well-being and quality of life living in remote locations by closing the digital literacy gap and guaranteeing fair access to healthcare services for all populations. Also, community organisations, local governments, and non-profit groups should be encouraged to promote digital inclusion among elderly populations to foster community engagement and support. Encourage collaborations between senior citizen associations, community centres, and academic institutions to host workshops, seminars, and in-person training sessions on digital literacy.

DOI: 10.33545/27068919.2024.v6.i6a.1193

Pages: 43-51 | Views: 89 | Downloads: 47

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