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

Virpi Paananen, Susanna Rivinen, Anniina Tohmola, Satu Elo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionScientificpeer-review

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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.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDigital Health and Wireless Solutions
Subtitle of host publication1st Nordic Conference, NCDHWS 2024, Proceedings, Part I
EditorsMariella Särestöniemi, Pantea Keikhosrokiani, Daljeet Singh, Erkki Harjula, Aleksei Tiulpin, Miia Jansson, Minna Isomursu, Mark van Gils, Simo Saarakkala, Jarmo Reponen
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer
Pages353-362
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-031-59080-1
ISBN (Print)978-3-031-59079-5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 May 2024
MoEC publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
EventNordic Conference on Digital Health and Wireless Solutions 2024 - University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
Duration: 7 May 20248 May 2024
https://nordic-digihealth.com/

Publication series

SeriesCommunications in Computer and Information Science
Number2083
ISSN1865-0937

Conference

ConferenceNordic Conference on Digital Health and Wireless Solutions 2024
Abbreviated titleNCDHWS 2024
Country/TerritoryFinland
CityOulu
Period07.05.202408.05.2024
Internet address

Keywords

  • Digital exclusion
  • Digitalization
  • Marginalized older people
  • Older people
  • Social work professionals

Field of science

  • Social work

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