In today’s fast-paced digital world, the ability to navigate technology is more than just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Yet, amid discussions about digital inclusion, one demographic often overlooked is seniors. In a recent episode of the Supporting Families podcast, ‘Supporting Senior’s Digital Literacy’, our host, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis interviewed Jesse Smith, Workshop Instructor at Connected Canadians, and Jose Alejandro Fernandez Cruz, Intergenerational Programming Assistant at Andrew Fleck Children’s Services. They discussed the many digital literacy challenges that seniors face and offered strategies for equipping them with essential skills. Below are some key insights from the conversation.
The Significance of Digital Literacy for Seniors
With the increasing digitization of essential services, seniors need digital literacy skills now more than ever. Aspects of healthcare, banking, and communication are moving online and without the necessary skills, seniors risk social isolation and poor health outcomes. Digital literacy empowers seniors to remain active, engaged, and connected in their communities, ensuring they can navigate the digital world with confidence.
“Unfortunately, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the digitization that we saw as a response to quarantine, there are a lot of services that have moved online. There’s no going back, and seniors need to develop some level of skills to receive these benefits.” – Jose Alejandro Fernandez Cruz
Barriers to Digital Literacy
Jesse and Jose explored some of the common barriers to digital literacy for seniors, including the overwhelmingly rapid pace of technological change. Concerns about online security and the fear of scams can also deter seniors from embracing digital technology. Overcoming these barriers requires support, education, and a safe environment where seniors can learn and practice their digital skills.
“The way that things are always changing… It becomes a real difficult thing, not only to be lifelong learners as seniors but also knowing where to put your energy. And that’s a real barrier.” – Jesse Smith
Strategies for Empowering Seniors
Family support practitioners can use various strategies to empower seniors to develop their digital literacy skills. Practitioners can conduct needs assessments to understand seniors’ skill levels and tailor support based on individual needs. Offering one-on-one mentoring or group workshops, for example, helps seniors build confidence in using digital devices and platforms.
“The first step is conducting a needs assessment… With that information at hand, you can then begin to build a model which works best according to your staffing, the needs of the older adults, and the environments in which you’re working.” – Jose Alejandro Fernandez Cruz
Creating Empowering Environments
Jesse shared the concept of a hygiene-based model of digital security practices, focusing on preventative measures rather than fear-based avoidance. He emphasizes the importance of adopting this approach to alleviate seniors’ fears around online security. By promoting good digital hygiene practices, such as avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks and updating software regularly, seniors can feel more empowered and confident in their digital interactions.
“The layering of fears is a real thing… Adopt a hygiene-based model of security practices. It’s more empowering when the fear is removed and it becomes preventative.” – Jesse Smith
Lifelong Learning and Continued Support
Respecting the intelligence and experiences of seniors while teaching them digital literacy skills is a crucial part of promoting digital inclusion and empowering seniors. Digital literacy, for example, should be treated as a separate set of skills. By avoiding patronizing attitudes and recognizing seniors’ capabilities, practitioners can create a more positive and empowering learning environment.
“Digital literacy is separate from all other forms of literacy. Treat it as such… Address it on its own while respecting the intelligence of all other parts of the person.” – Jesse Smith
Supporting seniors in navigating the digital landscape isn’t just about teaching them to use technology—it’s about empowering them to remain active, engaged, and connected in an increasingly digital world.
Dr. Paul, Jesse, and Jose provided valuable insights into how to do this. To learn more about how family support practitioners can empower seniors through digital literacy, listen to the full episode, ‘Supporting Seniors’ Digital Literacy’ and check out our other episodes here.
