Nearly 66% senior citizens find technology 'confusing', shows study

HelpAge India study shows 66 per cent of senior citizens find tech confusing, with over half fearing errors; youth often act as guides but see elders as disinterested

Nearly two out of three senior citizens (66 per cent) in the country find technology confusing and more than half of the elderly population (51 per cent) fear making errors while interacting with digital means of communication, reveals a latest study by HelpAge India. 

 

The study titled ‘Understanding inter-generational dynamics and perceptions on aging’, was released on Friday, ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. 

 

The study, conducted in 10 metro and non-metro cities, looked at intergenerational relationships and attitudes towards each other, surveyed 5,798 respondents, with 70 per cent respondents being youth (18-30 years) and 30 per cent being senior citizens (60 years and above).  

 

According to the report, senior citizens see youth as key enablers for their digital literacy, with 54 per cent of children and 52 per cent of grandchildren acting as their digital guides. However, 78 per cent youth see elders as disinterested in acquiring digital skills and 66 per cent youth think of them as forgetful. 

 

As many as 44 per cent senior citizens feel embarrassed to ask again about the use of digital technology, while 24 per cent of them fear damaging the device.  

 

“While the respect for elders and family ties remain deeply cherished in India, with 86 per cent elders reporting feeling valued, beneath the surface lies a quieter, more concerning disconnect. Elders feel emotionally distant, unheard or excluded from meaningful engagement,” says Rohit Prasad, chief executive officer, HelpAge India. 

 

In terms of their access to digital devices and tools, the majority of the senior citizens (71 per cent) find it easy to use basic feature mobile phones, while only 41 per cent report using smart phones. 

 

The use of other digital devices among senior citizens is quite low though, with online 5 per cent elders reporting using online services, followed by use of computers (13 per cent) and social media & internet browsing (13 per cent). 

 

Among online services, as many as 50 per cent senior citizens report having never paid utility bills, followed by 45 per cent reporting never using online banking. However, 54 per cent elders report being “very comfortable” with making phone calls, followed by 24 per cent senior citizens reporting using YouTube/watching videos. 

 

The report also calls for introducing interventions in school curriculums, so that the foundation of an age friendly and age inclusive society is set early in life. It also calls for encouraging youth based community care programmes and elder care centres.