​Research on seniors' interactions with digital environments and services

​Research on seniors' interactions with digital environments and services has yielded several key insights are:

Perceived Benefits and Challenges

In a survey of Finnish people aged 75 and higher, many seniors recognized the benefits of digital health and social services; however, usability, training and support, device compatibility, and the use of intelligible language were important variables in their involvement.

Digital Literacy and Support Needs

A 2024 survey of elders in Finland, Sweden, and Norway revealed that 64% require assistance in accessing digital services. 78% of respondents said that digitization helped them in their daily lives, whereas 30% said they struggled to keep up with digital activities. Surprisingly, 76% of Finnish respondents expressed the need for assistance from family or another people. This is a significant study because it shows that elderly persons can still experience digital illiteracy.

Mental Health and Social Connectivity'

Routine internet use among those over the age of 50 has been associated to improved mental and physical health, including a 9% decrease in depressive symptoms and a 7% improvement in overall life satisfaction. Such improvement appears to be connected with increased social interaction and reduced loneliness in internet users' daily lives.

Technological Companionship

Seniors are increasingly using AI-powered chatbots as companions and to help them with daily duties. Approximately 78% of people over 55 use AI products such as ChatGPT, Alexa, and Google Assistant, resulting in more independence and better mental health outcomes.

Educational Initiatives

There are various technological support services for seniors that aim to assist bridge the digital gap. Senior Planet from AARP, Cyber-Seniors, Quincy, Candoo, and The Smarter Service are a few of the organizations that offer training and tools to help seniors increase their digital literacy and feel more confident in utilizing digital technology.

Reference

 Laukka, E., Lakoma, S., Harjumaa, M., Hiltunen, S., Härkönen, H., Jansson, M., Leskelä, R., Martikainen, S., Pennanen, P., Verho, A., & Torkki, P. (2024). Older adults’ preferences in the utilization of digital health and social services: a qualitative analysis of responses to open-ended questions. BMC Health Services Research, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11564-1

Tietoevry.com. (2024, May 16). Study: 64% of Nordic seniors need help using digital services. https://www.tietoevry.com/en/newsroom/all-news-and-releases/other-news/2024/05/tietoevry-study-64-of-nordic-seniors-need-help-using-digital-services/?utm_source=

 

 Forbes, L. (2024, September 21). The best tech support services for Seniors. WIRED. https://www.wired.com/story/the-best-tech-support-services-for-seniors/?utm_source=