Younger generation should raise awareness on digital literacy among elderly people
Tuesday, 18 JUNE 2024 | MANSI BHAMBRI | DEHRADUN
The younger generation should understand its responsibility in enhancing digital literacy among the elderly people, the State programme officer of HelpAge India Krishna Avtar said. He made this statement in reference to a recent study conducted by HelpAge India nationwide, which disclosed that only 12 per cent of elderly individuals utilise digital platforms for bill payments or internet banking, while another eight per cent use them for health-related matters. Many elderly people attribute their limited digital literacy to fear and concerns about cybercrime.
A senior citizen who is 70-year-old, Rajkumar Yadav said as time progresses, all aspects of life like bill payments and accessing health reports are transitioning to digital platforms. However, he acknowledged that the complexity of advanced technologies poses challenges for elderly people to grasp. Further, Yadav said that the younger persons hesitate to introduce their elderly parents to digital mediums due to concerns about potential cybersecurity risks. Consequently, this fear impedes the development of digital literacy among the elderly people.
Other elderly people also attribute their limited engagement in digital activities to fears of falling victim to cybercrime and a lack of understanding about digital literacy.
Considering this, a cybercafe owner Jagdish Kumar noted that a higher number of elderly people visit his shop for online work compared to comparatively younger adults. Elderly individuals frequent cybercafes due to their limited knowledge of digital tools and the fear of falling victim to cybercrimes, he added.
Further, Avtar highlighted the significance of promoting digital literacy among the elderly, citing their lack of understanding of the digital world and hesitation in utilising it. In today’s predominantly online environment, acquiring knowledge about the digital realm is crucial. Avtar informed that HelpAge India regularly conducts awareness programmes about digital literacy among elderly people of the state over time. Additionally, he emphasised that it is the duty of the younger generation to recognise their responsibility and educate the elderly members of their households about digital literacy without instilling fear of the digital medium.
