Factors Affecting Marginalized Older Peoples’ Digital Exclusion Evaluated by Gerontological Social Work Professionals

Abstract

Digitalization is one of today’s megatrends, and the increased development and use of various digital services emphasize the importance of sufficient guidance, support, and digital skills. The purpose of this study was to describe factors that can lead to an increased possibility of digital exclusion of marginalized older people evaluated by gerontological social work professionals. The aim was to obtain knowledge for developing age-friendly digital literacy education for older people. The research was qualitative: data was collected from gerontological social work professionals (n = 23) through an open-ended electronic survey and analyzed by using inductive content analysis. Professionals considered that marginalized older people had personal difficulties reaching or adopting digital services with deteriorating cognitive and physical abilities, such as impaired functioning, a lack of motivation or fears, and missing equipment. The possibility of digital exclusion of older people can also be increased by external factors, such as a lack of support and counseling resources, and competence from professionals. Therefore, to be able to utilize digital services, marginalized older people need plenty of support from care workers which should be considered in the service time. In addition, the digitalization of services prevents marginalized older people from managing their own lives unnecessarily early. There is a need to develop facilitating services, and support for acquiring digital skills and advocacy.