Digital technologies refer to a wide range of new technologies ranging from the internet, mobile phones, and all the other tools to collect, store, analyse, and share information digitally, also including Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, 5G, and cryptocurrencies.
With so much technology in such a rapidly changing environment, it can be really tough to keep up with what is available, where, how and the impact it will have.
The UN are developing their Digital Agenda, to ensure that no one is left behind. The Agenda is based on the ideals of inclusiveness and shared prosperity and Member States pledged to leave no one behind and to endeavour to reach the furthest behind first. You can read more about this pledge here.
Digital Equity is a common theme in current healthcare strategy, with its' advances and advantages inherent in developing services and emerging practice.
You can read more about how the AHSN Network responded to the Covid-19 pandemic by using digital technology as an enabler for change here.
Case study (1)
“From digital exclusion to participation
in the digital world: the journey of an 84-year-old person”
We live in an increasingly digital world where many
people are already benefitting from the Internet, digital TV, and mobile
communications. The potential benefits are vast and pervasive for both the
world at large and for individuals. The wide-ranging benefits include the
following:
• Enhanced
personal health and well-being
• Improved
economic and life opportunities
• Self-efficacy
• Development
of new skills and capabilities
• Enhanced
civic engagement and participation
•
Social interaction and cohesiveness
Although there have been extensive efforts and financial investment to promote digital engagement in the UK over much of the past two decades the compelling benefits listed above are not currently experienced by everyone. The number of older people still not online remains high. In 2017, 4.8 million British people over 55 years old did not use the Internet – this group made up 91% of the 5.3 million British residents who did not use the Internet (Office for National Statistics 2017 Internet Access Report). Read how the pandemic altered the course of digital consumption for our older population, in particular Kathleen McCulloch and her mother Maureen, whose digital journey is captured here.
My Thoughts on Digital Equity - by Dr Katherine Bradbury (University of Southampton)
My research
focuses on helping older people to improve their health through digital health
innovations. This can range from websites which support people to do more
physical activity, to smart sensing insoles which detect temperature change in
feet, which alert older people with diabetes that they may be about to get a
diabetic foot ulcer and so need to get off their feet quickly!........ Read full article here.
Case Study (2)
New research project to explore whether digital
coaching can support people with frailty
The DONOR project (Digital cOachiNg fOr fRailty) will investigate whether a digital approach could be used alongside support from health coaches to help the lifestyle management of frailty in its early stages. The project is funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Wessex.
Frailty is a condition that affects one in ten people over the age of 65. It means people are at higher risk of falls, disability and poorer quality of life..... You can read more about the DONOR project here...
Case Study (3)
The Digital Friendly Island scheme encourages organisations to collaborate, share best practice and work together to support older people with digital inclusion. Strengthening partnership working has such a valuable impact in bridging the digital divide.They launched their Digital Inclusion service in November 2020, offering bespoke 1-to-1 IT support in people’s homes. They have a dedicated officer and 10 digital volunteers. They loan out equipment and host virtual activities. This work has been vital during Covid-19 restrictions to assist residents to keep in touch with family and friends and learn new skills like online shopping.
Running alongside this work, they are launching a new Digital Friendly Island scheme this October across the Isle of Wight to promote digital confidence among older people and help develop skills that will improve quality of life.The scheme has been developed by Age Friendly Island, part of Age UK Isle of Wight, in partnership with older residents and Island organisations with the aim of making the Isle of Wight digitally inclusive for everyone, but especially for Islanders over the age of 50. Organisations across the Island have signed up to the scheme to indicate they offer digital friendly services and commit to improving their online services for older Islanders. The scheme is the outcome of a year’s consultation and co-production with older residents and stakeholders. They held an online digital survey, which received almost 500 responses from people over 50 who were already digitally connected. They were unable to distribute paper copies to engage with those yet to get online as a direct result of Covid-19 restrictions.They decided to split the survey into two phases and the second paper-based results are being collated now with almost 300 responses.
Emma Lincoln, Age Friendly Island Service Manager, commented:
“The Digital Friendly Island scheme is so important because it is about supporting older people to overcome digital or online barriers. There are many digital services available on the Island which can improve day-to-day lives but it’s having the confidence and knowledge to access them.”
Sally Ash, Fair Trading Office, Isle of Wight Council, commented:
“IWASP (Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership) is delighted to have signed up to the Digital Friendly Island scheme. Scammers have really increased their digital presence over the past 18 months, knowing that so many more of us will be reliant on technology. A lack of knowledge and confidence around using digital devices makes us very vulnerable to online scams so anything that can enhance our understanding of using technology will benefit us in the fight against scams and help to keep Island residents safe.”
Their future work will include coordinating digital workshops in age friendly venues to encourage learning through social interaction. Key issues raised by older people in our surveys was lack of knowledge around online safety and the need to access medical services, so our workshop programme will aim to link services and provide support around these specific subjects and we will develop further workshops in consultation with older residents.
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To find out more about our work please visit the website: Age Friendly Island (ageuk.org.uk) or email: digital@ageuk.org.uk
A digital pledge template can be downloaded from the resource section.
Case Study (4)
Gosport Voluntary Action are running a new project that pairs a Gosport resident aged 55+ with a volunteer for a weekly video chat over Zoom. The aim is to reduce loneliness and isolation, whilst improving digital inclusion. Currently running as a pilot project, they are able to loan a tablet to service users who may benefit, but can also complete set-up on residents’ own devices.
They match volunteers and service users based on similar interests to encourage conversation and complete a home visit to ensure the service user is correctly set-up and confident using a new device and Zoom.
One of their service users, since starting the video calls, is now getting back out into the wider community and keeps his volunteer up-to-date with what he is up to and has even bought himself a new device to stay better connected.
For more information please contact TogetherNet Coordinator, Laura Drew on laura.drew@gva.org.uk or 023 9260 4689 or download further information from the resource section.
Case Study (5)
Simon Barton from Citizens Advice, Isle of Wight describes local support for digital equity for all ages
See below for more detail on relevant articles and websites that aim to explore this subject in greater detail*
https://www.ageing-better.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-07/COVID-19-and-the-digital-divide.pdf
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/programmes/one-digital/
*Wessex Academic Health Science Network Limited (WAHSN) has undertaken the horizon scanning research activity in goodwill for the purpose of improving healthcare services and has no commercial interest in any of documents presented. Wessex AHSN’s research activity is not intended to include an exhaustive list of resources or endorsement. Wessex AHSN are not responsible should there be a relevant resource available that has not been identified and reported in this document.
Featured video
85 year-old Maureen's Digital Journey
Digital Inclusion for Older People
Browse all videosResources
Professor Leela Damodaran FAccS, Switching the focus from training to support
TogetherNet - Keeping Gosport residents connected
DONOR: New research project to explore whether digital coaching can support people with frailty
Remote monitoring and living with frailty
Report - Age Friendly Digital Island Survey 2021
Blog: My now 85-year-old mum, Maureen has been a proud owner of an iPad for nearly a year
