Page 13 - YOU Magazine | Issue 2

If recent events have taught literacy. For those over 70, more
us anything, it is the
importance of accessible online communication.
While social distancing measures have amplified the requirement for us to be digitally savvy, there is ample evidence to suggest the transition
by education, information, government and community groups to move greater parts of their services and utilities online began some time ago.
It is clear that digital literacy and user capability is an important aspect of older Australians increasing their online presence. However, research shows that many of those aged 65 or over are struggling to adapt to this new digital environment.
Acknowledging the issue
According to data collected
by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, 23 per cent of Australians aged between 50 and 69 have limited or no digital
DISCONNECTION
than half are not online at all.
In 2018 the federal government
issued a report via its eSafety arm called Understanding Digital Behaviours in Older Australians.
The report found that approximately 34 per cent of Australians aged 50 years and over (about 2.7 million people) had either low digital literacy levels or did not use digital devices or the internet.
Of these, 36 per cent have comparatively higher levels of digital literacy relative to others in their age range, transacting online at least once a week; 31 per cent have moderate digital literacy, including people who performed online transactions less frequently than once a week; 26 per cent have low digital literacy, with
this group including people who perform online activities no more than once a month.
Nearly eight per cent are considered ‘digitally disengaged,’ including current non-internet users who never perform online activities.
You WINTER 2020 13