Report: Impacts of the digital divide on older migrants

ECCV today launched a new research report examining the impacts of the digital divide on older people from migrant communities.

Older people are increasingly disadvantaged through the routine requirement to go online for vital information and services. This ‘digital exclusion’ is particularly pronounced for multicultural seniors, who already face systemic barriers to access.

Our research has found that this is not an issue in isolation. The digital divide has far-reaching consequences, which often result in poorer physical and mental health outcomes for older people, less control in their ability to make decisions and lead independent lives, an increased risk of elder abuse, and a greater vulnerability to exploitation and scams.

The report outlines the importance of a bipartite approach, where older people have access to digital literacy training and support, while alternatives to digital connection continue to be resourced and effective. Research shows that many seniors respond well to culturally appropriate face-to-face training and mentoring.

However, there is also a significant number of older people who will never become digitally literate and who require alternative avenues to access information and services, such as paper-based, phone-based and face-to-face options.

‘The digital divide: Impacts of older people from migrant communities’ puts forward a suite of 12 recommendations to bridge the digital divide and enhance quality of life for older Australians. These include:

• Proactively consulting with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds and their representative bodies for the development of the Australian Data and Digital Government Strategy
• Providing essential information by engaging trusted community leaders and ethno-specific/multicultural organisations
• Promoting information and services through ethnic media
• Co-designing digital literacy training programs with older people from migrant and refugee backgrounds
• Developing, monitoring and enforcing ethical guidelines for the use of AI in the care and support of older Australians

Media Enquiries

For media enquiries or more information, please contact Media & Communications Team. Email: media@eccv.org.au
Phone: 0431 091 738