Seniors Facing the Challenge of Digital Transition

Knowing how to effectively use digital devices is an essential asset for fully participating in modern life. For those born before the era of new information and communication technologies, it's challenging to keep up with the quick pace of various digital advancements.

90%

More than 75% of those over 75 experience at least one disability in the use of digital devices

Source: INSEE (2019)

Over 67% of them even suffer from digital illiteracy, meaning they have almost no knowledge or skills in mastering digital tools. These figures highlight the persistent digital gap between generations, emphasizing the essential nature of initiatives aimed at improving the digital skills of the elderly.

Numerous Digital Obstacles for Seniors

It is a constantly renewed observation: new technologies pose a real obstacle for a large number of elderly individuals. Most of them have never been trained in their use. In these conditions, they can quickly feel helpless in the face of digital devices, especially since the vast majority of these devices are not adapted to seniors: the lack of accessibility of these tools works against them.

Indeed, user interfaces of digital devices often appear complex, with multiple features and sophisticated menus. Elderly individuals may find it difficult to navigate these systems, which are rarely designed intuitively. Especially if they lack significant experience with technology.

Illustration - Orange Website Interface — Example: Orange's interface. Elderly individuals use it, in particular, to check their emails or their phone subscription. Numerous visual obstacles significantly reduce the clarity of the interface. Menu elements are not very legible.

Smartphones' and tablets' touchscreens, as well as small font size on computer screens, can pose difficulties for elderly individuals whose vision decreases with age. This is especially true since 24% of them experience acute visual impairments, compromising the distinction of small characters. Moreover, manipulating small buttons can be complex for those who have fine motor skills problems.

60% Motor Functional Limitations for Women aged 85 and older, 48% Motor Functional Limitations for Men aged 85 and older — Loss of autonomy in the elderly: motor limitations at the forefront - Source: INSEE

In addition to this lack of optimization of digital media, elderly individuals generally lack training on the subject. They have not been exposed to technology in the same way as younger generations. This lack of adequate training can represent a significant obstacle to the effective use of digital devices.

To complicate matters, the contemporary technological landscape is constantly evolving. Quick advances in this field can make it difficult to keep up with changes for people who are not constantly immersed in the digital world. Frequent software and application updates can further enhance the lack of understanding for the elderly. A characteristic example: the Facebook social network.

The lack of accessibility of digital devices for seniors is a significant concern as technological advancement progresses, especially since the impact of this lack of accessibility strongly affects the daily lives of the elderly. Since the covid-19 health crisis, the digitization of public services has been increasing and many administrative procedures must now be carried out entirely online.

The following testimony clearly illustrates all the difficulties mentioned above and experienced by a significant number of seniors today:

When it comes to digital devices, I use my smartphone quite frequently (out of necessity), my tablet occasionally, and my computer extremely rarely because it holds no interest for me. In general, I much prefer to conduct my information searches on physical media, especially on paper for the sake of simplicity. I often feel a deep sense of helplessness when using digital devices. I clearly think that new technologies would benefit from being more adapted to our generation, simpler and more intuitive for the elderly. I have already attended a training session at my city hall regarding the use of new technologies, which proved useful. But not effective enough for a smooth use of digital devices. I wish this training had been more in-depth, with more practice, manipulation, and learning more things.
Geneviève, 81 years old.

Digital Education, a Fundamental Step

However, elderly individuals have a lot to gain from digital technologies. Therefore, it is essential to consider their specific needs in order to make these tools more accessible. This is a fundamental element to promote a more inclusive digital society.

Various solutions are available to the elderly wishing to address their lack of proficiency in digital devices. Some programs cover the basics of Internet navigation, provide training in using emails and social networks, and discuss online safety.

Municipalities often offer community and associative workshops where the elderly can learn and practice using digital devices together. These environments promote social learning and provide mutual support. It may be interesting to check the website of your municipality or the communal MJC (House of Youth and Culture), or inquire on-site to get more information about the workshops offered. These are often supervised by young people, in a context of intergenerational assistance.

Various free programs also exist to accompany the elderly in their digital transition, such as Digital Advisors of France Services and workshops offered by the Emmaus Connect association. Finally, many libraries offer digital initiation workshops to their users.

On their part, digital technology providers must consider the specific needs of the elderly in the design of their devices, including:

simpler, more intuitive user interfaces;
customization options for font size.

Note: general accessibility standards, such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), ensure the accessibility of websites and mobile applications.

The technological transition is marked by the increasing use of digital devices, more and more present in various daily tasks. Mastery of these tools is therefore necessary to integrate into an exponentially connected society shaped by technological advances. However, becoming familiar with these digital tools can be perilous for the elderly, due to the lack of accessibility of these new technologies and the absence of training on the subject.

Seniors, however, have a lot to gain by using digital technologies, whether to stay in touch with their family and friends, stay informed or access online services. It is crucial to offer them the resources and support they need to adapt to these technological changes.