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. 2022 Dec 20;55(39):153–158. doi: 10.1016/j.ifacol.2022.12.027

Digital literacy during the coronavirus pandemic in older adults: Literature Review and Research Agenda

Assist Mihael Nedeljko *, Prof Ddr David Bogataj *, Assist Prof Dr Barbara Toplak Perović *, Assist Prof Dr Boris Miha Kaučič *
PMCID: PMC9764837  PMID: 38620995

Abstract

Demographic change in the developed world is leading to a higher proportion of older adults and longer life expectancy. Measures to control the coronavirus disease have affected older adults the most. Social isolation and access to remote health services has been a problem for many people. We have used the method of scientific literature review. The selection of articles was made in accordance with the following inclusion criteria: accessibility, scientificity, content relevance and topicality. After selection, the results were analysed by qualitative content analysis. With the content analysis of twenty scientific articles, we gained an insight into digital literacy of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three content categories were identified: (1) poor digital literacy of older adults, (2) inequality in ICT access, (3) use of ICT reduces the negative impact of social isolation. We note that there is a large digital divide in digital literacy and competences among older adults which expanded during the coronavirus disease pandemic. Several factors, including socio-economic status, internet access and the poor adaptation of ICT for older adults affect digital literacy. Rapid development of remote health and social care, poor digital literacy of older adults and the poor adaptation of ICT for older adults dictate that the problem must be tackled systemically.

Keywords: older adults, ICT, digital literacy, COVID-19, digital divide

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