Improving Digital Literacy for Seniors: The Importance of Digital Inclusion
As the technological world rapidly evolves, often certain groups of people find it difficult to keep up. This includes adults ages 65 and over, as their experiences with digital information technology can be limited. ‘Digital literacy’ refers to the familiarity and ability to engage with technology, and recent studies have shown that seniors’ digital literacy levels are too low for them to fully take advantage of possibly life-saving technologies such as healthcare applications. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of digital literacy increased drastically, as medical consultations became an online-only practice and the reality of telehealth skyrocketed.
Low levels of digital literacy can also lead to individuals being more susceptible to cyber attacks, which in turn can lead to a fear of using the internet or the misconception that older individuals are unable to learn the workings of the technological world. But with the correct resources, tools and effort, the digital world can become far more inclusive.
The Role of Remote Patient Monitoring
The importance of seniors’ involvement with the digital world includes the rise of telehealth and remote patient monitoring. RPM allows for medical conditions to be constantly monitored by a medical professional, which can lead to more effective prevention methods and less hospital visits for patients. RPMs are convenient, but it’s necessary to boost the confidence of older individuals in utilizing such technologies through education. You can read more about the overall benefits of remote patient monitoring in HealthTech Magazine’s article, The Benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring are Wide Ranging.
So how can we ensure that seniors feel comfortable with this new way of navigating life?
Bridging the Gap
Healthcare applications need to be tailored to their users as user-friendly interfaces are essential in helping boost the confidence of older users, as well as the general usability. Other applications such as social media may benefit from simply having a helpline where users can contact someone directly about their queries. Courses that are inexpensive and accessible are also an option in assisting older individuals in learning about the digital world.
Internet accessibility also plays a major role in digital inclusion, as many older adults do not even have access to broadband. It’s important that we assist in providing opportunities for everyone to access the internet, not only to access healthcare related services, but also to prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness. The internet can provide a sense of connection that many people benefit from and can keep seniors living in the comfort of their own homes.
How We Can Help
SRG helps our customers focus on inclusive user experience and user interface design. We have deep experience building software for senior users, specifically related to health coaching, chronic care management and remote patient monitoring.
Talk to us today about helping to create an all inclusive, healthcare-specific technological world.
Written by:
Maxine Wesley
