Challenges of Ageing in a Digitally Connected World

The pandemic has shown us how we rely on technologies and the benefits they bring. We have the possibility to organise full digital events and expand our knowledge, skills and network. However, not everybody is connected or is entirely digital literate, especially in countries where income, skills and adult literacy vary immensely. Based on demographic data (IBGE and ONS) and data from the Saúde, Bem-estar e Envelhecimento (SABE) and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) studies, this paper aims to present three challenges faced by older adults that are related to digital access and literacy and that can drive to social exclusion at different levels. The first is related to disconnection, whether related to a geographic location – like rural or less urbanised areas with an infrastructural deficit - or sociodemographic profile - low-income, disadvantaged communities. The second is related to digital illiteracy, which is associated with the lack of skills to access and use digital technology and digital interfaces. And the third is related to digital semi-literacy, which is related to the superficial knowledge of digital interfaces, media and digital information. All of them can lead to exclusion to access services, loneliness and vulnerability to misinformation that can lead to health risks. The paper explores areas where digital inequalities could be mitigated before they amount to exclusion, and what partnerships/interventions are necessary for this to happen, empowering diverse and disadvantaged older adults to become digital literate.