Technological Inequality and Social Exclusion of Older People during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The digital transformation of contemporary societies may already have been seen by older people as an obstacle; during the pandemic, however, great emphasis was given to technology. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the phenomenon of social exclusion of older people, linked to their vulnerability and the “COVID circumstances” and shaped by the various measures imposed by different countries to limit physical contact, which led to technological inequality. The findings emphasize the isolation of the elderly and their non-use or insufficient use of health services and long-term care services. Further implications relate to socioeconomic costs arising from the inefficient treatment of their needs regarding their physical and “technological” vulnerability. The article concludes with considerations of the importance of distinct—both individually and collectively oriented—approaches to create better social conditions that will enhance technological equality for the elderly.

Digital Exclusion: Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 Policies on Elderly Mobility Via a Comparative Study of Australia and China

“…In both Australia and China, older people are facing dif culties adapting to new ways of working and living, as smartphone use has gone from optional to mandatory under government policy. eSafety Commissioner, 2018;Tsetoura, 2022). Based on these two key policies, the following paragraphs discuss the in uence of these policies on elder mobility.…”

“…The pandemic exacerbated this issue as smartphones became mandatory tools for contact tracing and accessing public spaces (Tsetoura, 2022). Consequently, many older individuals experienced heightened social exclusion, resulting in feelings of loneliness and detachment from societal activities.…”

“…On the other hand, it has been argued that the spread of digital technologies bene tted older people by providing more ef cient and cost-effective healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a signi cant shift towards e-health in Australia (Tsetoura, 2022). Meanwhile, e-health played a pivotal role in managing the healthcare crisis during the pandemic in China (Cheng et al, 2020).…”