The Digital Divide and the Elderly: Analyzing the Phenomenon with Data in Hand
In recent years, the digital divide has become an increasingly relevant topic, especially when analyzing access to and usage of digital technologies among different population groups. While younger generations show high competence in using technological devices, the older population, particularly those aged 67+, often face significant obstacles. This article explores the phenomenon affecting older adults, focusing specifically on the situation in Italy, with reference to data from Eurostat, ISTAT, and an important Italian university study.
The Digital Divide: What It Is and Why It Affects the Elderly.
The term digital divide refers to the disparity in access, skills, and use of digital technologies. This gap manifests on multiple levels: access to infrastructure (e.g., internet connection), digital literacy, and the ability to effectively use digital resources.
People aged 67+, often referred to as the silver generation, are one of the groups most vulnerable to digital exclusion. The reasons are manifold: limited exposure to technology throughout life, resistance to adopting new tools, and a lack of formal learning opportunities for digital skills.
European Statistics on the Digital Divide: The Eurostat Picture.
According to a recent Eurostat survey (2023), 47% of adults over 65 in the European Union have never used the Internet. This statistic highlights a clear separation between those who have access to the digital world and those who remain excluded. While internet usage rates are rapidly increasing among younger groups, growth is much slower among older adults. In Italy, the figures are even more alarming. Only 33% of people over 65 regularly use the Internet, placing the country among those with the highest levels of digital exclusion in Europe. Eurostat Digital Economy and Society
The Italian Case: ISTAT Data.
At the national level, the ISTAT 2022 report provides additional insights into how the digital divide affects the elderly population in Italy. 68% of people over 65 reported not having the basic digital skills necessary to use devices such as smartphones, computers, or tablets. Furthermore, there is a marked geographical disparity. While the northern part of the country shows slightly higher rates of digital usage, the south and islands record even higher levels of exclusion.
This gap has profound implications, especially considering the increasing importance of access to essential services like digital healthcare or online banking, which require a certain familiarity with technology. ISTAT Report - Citizens and ICT.
The University Study: The Evolution of Digital Training for the 67+ Population.
A recent study conducted by Bocconi University in Milan analyzed the effectiveness of digital training programs for those over 67. Published in 2023, the research found that participation in digital literacy courses led to significant improvements not only in the practical use of technology but also in the perception of confidence towards it.
According to the study, those who participated in targeted courses showed a greater inclination to use digital services such as online banking, telemedicine, and access to public services online. However, one of the main barriers to the spread of these programs is the lack of awareness among the elderly population about their existence.
Bocconi University particularly emphasized the importance of creating continuous and accessible learning pathways, with instructors who have specific skills for working with the elderly. The study's results indicate that tailored training with slower and more patient approaches can significantly reduce the digital divide among seniors. Bocconi University Study.
Implications of the Digital Divide and Possible Solutions.
The impact of the digital divide on the elderly goes beyond mere exclusion from the use of technology. It is a matter of social participation and access to essential services. For example, in a world increasingly oriented towards telemedicine and online public services, the elderly risk being excluded from timely medical care or bureaucratic procedures that require online registration.
To address this challenge, it is essential to develop public policies that promote not only physical access to technologies (e.g., widespread broadband) but also digital literacy. In this sense, dedicated training projects, such as courses on how to use smartphones or tablets, are crucial tools.
Conclusion.
The digital divide affecting the 67+ population is a complex issue that requires multi-level solutions. Although the data paints a worrying picture, there are concrete solutions. Collaboration between governments, universities, and non-profit organizations is essential to creating an inclusive digital society. Investing in continuous education and raising awareness among the elderly about the importance of digital skills can drastically reduce exclusion and improve the quality of life for millions of people. This is precisely the benefit that the "History Is Us!" Project aims to achieve, thanks to the European partnership between the young Italian non-profit association HUBITAPROJECT ETS and the expert company Glafka from Prague.