- Social isolation and loneliness: As communication shifts to digital platforms, older adults who lack access or digital literacy can become isolated from family, services, and community (Choi & DiNitto, 2013).
- Reduced access to essential services: Many services (healthcare booking, banking, government benefits) move online, creating barriers for seniors who struggle with or lack internet access (Anderson & Perrin, 2017).
- Cognitive and emotional effects: Learning new technologies can boost cognitive engagement and self-efficacy for some, but for others it causes anxiety, frustration, and decreased well‑being (Tsai et al., 2015).
- Economic vulnerability: Automation and digitization can eliminate familiar jobs and require costly devices or training, worsening financial insecurity for some older adults (Autor, 2015).
- Health care benefits and risks: Telemedicine and remote monitoring improve access and chronic disease management, yet reliance on tech can reduce in-person care and raise privacy/security concerns (Berkowsky et al., 2018).
- Intergenerational dynamics: Technology can both bridge and widen generation gaps—facilitating contact with distant kin while creating misunderstandings about values and communication styles.
- Policy and design implications: Inclusive design, subsidized access, training programs, and alternative non-digital options are needed to mitigate harms and maximize benefits.
Key references: Anderson & Perrin (2017), Choi & DiNitto (2013), Tsai et al. (2015), Berkowsky et al. (2018).