How to close the digital gap for the elderly
- China’s ageing population makes it important the country digitally enables the elderly.
- Globally, tech companies are trying to train the elderly up, giving in-store support with digital payments.
- Advanced technologies are being specifically adapted to the elderly, with a view to improving their quality of life.
Many young people have embraced the convenience of digital technologies such as online shopping, car hailing, digital payments, and telemedicine. But many elderly without a grasp of the latest knowledge are at risk of being left behind.
Several news reports in China during the outbreak of COVID-19 put this issue in the spotlight: an elderly woman who wanted to pay for her medical insurance with cash was refused due to concerns that her cash might be carrying the virus.
The woman, who had not set up mobile payment, was left alone in the service centre at a loss.
In another case, an elderly man without a phone was asked to get off the bus after failing to show the driver his health-status code via the app used at all public places in China.
These incidents are stark reminders of the widening digital gap for the elderly.
Read more @Weforum
