Older people are not a single group, and age alone does not determine digital confidence or capability. But changes in technology, accessibility needs, service design and the growing expectation to manage everyday life online can create particular barriers for some older people.
What we are exploring
Digital Inclusion Whanganui is exploring approaches to personalised digital help for older people, with particular attention to confidence, accessibility, independence and the practical realities of using digital services.
Good digital help should build capability
Effective support is not simply about fixing a device or completing a task for someone. Wherever possible, the person receiving help should remain involved and in control, building the understanding and confidence to deal with similar situations in the future.
Learning from local experience
Working directly with older people helps DIW understand where difficulties actually occur — whether the barrier lies with a device, an online service, accessibility, confidence, memory, security requirements or the way support is provided.
Building better support
What we learn from working with older people can help improve not only individual digital support, but also the way services, organisations and support systems respond to people who need assistance.