The digital divide
There are many social benefits to being online and connecting with family, friends and communities of interest across the globe. There are economic benefits in being able to take advantage of online goods and service offers. These parts of the ‘new normal’ of the pandemic include:
- shopping online
- completing forms or applications on websites
- using telehealth for medical appointments
- accessing digital vaccination certificates
- getting information for help and support online.
Many people previously not online adapted to digital devices for family connection and essential services during lockdowns. At the same time, the pandemic has exposed the extent and impact of the ‘digital divide’. While the COVID-19 pandemic showed the ability of some older people to engage with digital technology including attending online meetings, many have been left behind.
Given the rapid growth in use of digital platforms by banks, governments and essential services, many people need extra support to use online services and resources. The online world is getting more complex. There are many older people who need extra training, guidance and practical help to navigate it safely and securely. In every one of the Commissioner’s consultations held in 2019, people talked about:
- the lack of ability to use and keep up with technology
- the cost of maintaining and updating systems
- the difficulty of finding someone to help them improve their technology skills.
Many older people have safety concerns with using digital technology. This leaves them open to online exploitation and the targets of scammers. Targets often include:
- older women who live alone
- lonely people
- those with little experience of managing household finances.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reports that between January and September 2021 people aged 65 years or older lost the most money of any age group to scammers: in total, $49.1 million or 23 per cent of total losses occurred in that period. Helping older people to use digital technology and be in the online world includes training and information on cyber safety and how to detect and avoid scammers. The Victorian Government will continue to work with industry and Victoria Police to improve online safety for older people.
The Senior Victorians Advisory Group noted the digital divide as a key priority for government action. The Victorian Government has asked the Commissioner for Senior Victorians to review and provide further advice about how to improve the levels of digital connectedness for senior Victorians. This will include priority issues of:
- improving digital ability and building confidence
- affordability concerns
- addressing privacy and scamming protections.
Some people may never make the leap across the digital divide. We will ask government departments to develop options for alternatives to online access for services targeted to seniors. This will include key social services that currently only offer online access.
Timeline of what the government will deliver
From July 2022
We will deliver
Older people are more vulnerable to injury and death in road crashes. Explore ways to encourage older people to use vehicles fitted with five-star safety technologies. Diversify travel modes to promote the health benefits of active transport.
Impact
Older drivers and passengers are more aware of the safety benefits of newer vehicles and options for alternative mobility modes.
From 2022
We will deliver
Improved digital access through the Connecting Victoria program. This will invest in better mobile coverage and broadband across the state. Locations will be based on economic uplift, digital inclusion and community input. This will help identify where services are not meeting user needs.
Impact
More people with better access to the internet across Victoria.
2022-23
We will deliver
Government departments will be requested to develop alternatives to online access. This will be for services targeted to seniors and for key social services that currently only offer online access.
Impact
Services easier to access for those not online.
We will deliver
Resources for the Commissioner for Senior Victorians to review digital connectedness and provide advice to government.
Impact
Clearer understanding of strategies to strengthen and build digital connectedness among Victorian seniors.
Timeline of what the government is delivering
Current and ongoing
We are delivering
The Learn Local network is supporting pre-accredited training in local communities. This includes core skills training such as digital skills for contemporary workplaces, further study and life.
Impact
People have stepping stones to formal training options and jobs.
We are delivering
Improved cyber safety drawing on existing scams awareness resources and campaigns, including from the national Scamwatch network and Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Impact
More people will be able to connect with online information, communication, and resources with confidence to recognise and avoid scams.
2022-23
We are delivering
The Social Seniors program in partnership with Telstra and public libraries. Social Seniors offers older people low-cost or free training in libraries in how to use social media.
Impact
Increased safe use of social media among older Victorians.
Updated