how does technology impact the older generation

Positive impacts: - Connectivity and social contact: video calls, social media, and messaging reduce isolation and support family ties (Czaja & Lee, 2007). - Access to services: telehealth, online banking, and delivery apps improve healthcare access and daily living convenience (WHO, 2021). - Cognitive and physical engagement: brain-training apps, games, and wearable fitness trackers can support mental stimulation and mobility (Ball et al., 2002). - Independence and safety: smart-home devices, fall detectors, and medication reminders help older adults live independently longer (AARP, 2018). Negative impacts: - Digital divide and exclusion: lack of access, skills, or affordable devices can deepen social and economic inequalities (van Deursen & Helsper, 2015). - Privacy and security risks: scams, identity theft, and data misuse disproportionately harm those with lower digital literacy (Lusardi et al., 2017). - Overreliance and reduced in-person contact: excessive remote interactions can weaken local community ties or lead to reduced physical activity. - Stress and learning barriers: age-related perceptual or cognitive changes make adopting new technologies frustrating or inaccessible without tailored design and training. Mitigating factors: - Inclusive design, targeted training, affordable access, and supportive policy can maximize benefits and minimize harms (European Commission, 2018). Selected sources: Czaja & Lee (2007); Ball et al. (2002); van Deursen & Helsper (2015); WHO (2021); AARP (2018).

Older adults with lower digital literacy face higher risks from privacy and security threats because they often lack the skills to recognize and respond to scams, phishing, and fraudulent requests. This makes them easier targets for identity theft and financial fraud. They may reuse passwords, share sensitive information over insecure channels, or fail to update devices, which increases vulnerability to malware and data breaches. In addition, limited awareness of privacy settings and data-use practices means their personal information is more likely to be collected and exploited by companies or malicious actors. Empirical work (e.g., Lusardi et al., 2017) shows that lower digital and financial literacy correlates with greater exposure to these harms, producing disproportionate negative impacts on older adults’ finances, autonomy, and trust in technology. Reference: Lusardi, A., Mitchell, O. S., & Napoli, M. (2017). Financial literacy among older adults. (Discusses links between literacy and vulnerability to scams and fraud.)