…or how I sold my soul to Google.
Oxford defines the “DIgital Divide” as “the gulf between those who have ready access to computer and internet, an those who do not.” With respect to seniors, it also means having a “quality experience” free of those technological challenges.
There have been many articles that discuss why the elderly have struggles with technology. An article The Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap for Seniors and Technology published at IP Location .Net on Feb 28, 2025, summarizes these challenges:
- Access to Technology: While the cost of devices has decreased, it can still be a barrier for seniors on fixed incomes. Reliable internet access, especially in rural areas, can also be expensive and limited.
- Digital Literacy: Many seniors did not grow up with computers and the internet, and they may lack the basic skills needed to navigate the digital world. This includes understanding how to use software, browse the internet safely, and troubleshoot technical issues.
- Physical Limitations: Age-related physical limitations, such as vision or hearing impairments, arthritis, or cognitive decline, can make it difficult for seniors to use technology.
- Fear and Mistrust: Some seniors may be hesitant to embrace technology due to fear of scams, privacy concerns, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of it all.
- Lack of Motivation: If seniors don’t see the relevance of technology to their lives or believe it’s too difficult to learn, they may lack the motivation to engage with it.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Income, education level, and social support networks all play a role in a senior’s access to and comfort with technology.
The consequences of the digital have far reaching consequences, impacting their well-being, independence, and social connections. These include:
- Social Isolation: Seniors who are not digitally connected may miss out on opportunities to connect with family and friends, participate in online communities, and engage in social activities. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which have been linked to negative health outcomes.
- Limited Access to Information and Services: Many essential services, such as healthcare, banking, and government resources, are increasingly moving online. Seniors who lack digital skills may struggle to access these services, leading to missed appointments, financial difficulties, and difficulty obtaining important information.
- Reduced Independence: Technology can empower seniors to live independently for longer. For example, online grocery delivery, ride-sharing apps, online hearing test services, and telehealth services can help seniors manage daily tasks and access healthcare without relying on others.
- Increased Vulnerability to Scams: While seniors may fear online scams, ironically, a lack of digital literacy can make them more vulnerable to online fraud. Understanding how to identify phishing emails, create strong passwords, and protect personal information is crucial for online safety.
- Missed Opportunities for Lifelong Learning: The internet offers a wealth of educational resources, from online courses and virtual museum tours to language learning apps and interactive games. Seniors who are not online miss out on these opportunities for continued learning and cognitive stimulation.
The Right Choice is to Make the Investment in Learning the Technology! Whatever your age and wherever you sit on the technology curve, simply put, its worth the effort. It may seem daunting at first but the advantages far outweigh any disadvantages.
DISCLAIMER: The next steps are for computer users who are considered a neophyte or a beginner and ONLY use basic applications such as email, video conference, social media (e.g. Facebook, X, Chat, etc.), browser based services (e.g. banking, appointments, etc.), media consumption (e.g. YouTube, Netflix, etc.) and NO need to run specialized software (e.g. video editing, CAD, etc.). You must be connected to the internet. This is for personal use and not intended to connect into business environments unless specifically approved to do so.
Simplification is the Key!
HOW DO WE GET STARTED? Simple…SIMPLIFICATION In my time working with seniors and with many of my friends now in this age group, the challenge for many is the challenge of working with hardware, operating systems, stand-alone applications, using different browsers, ecosystems, different logins…and the list goes on. The solution is SIMPLIFICATION of all of these wherever possible…not an easy task!
- Step 1 – Determine the Application Stack of Choice: Basically boils down to using stand alone apps like Microsoft Office (Edge/Outlook/Word/Excel/etc), Apple applications (Safari/Pages/Numbers) or Googles browser-based apps (GMail/Docs/Sheets/etc). If you are not tied to any, simplify your application needs by going with Google.
- Step 2 – Hardware (ONLY IF NEEDED): If you need a new laptop, consider going with Chrome OS and Chomebook Plus. If you need to run specialized software, this may drive your hardware decision. You can still access the Google application stack using Google’s Chrome browser on a PC or Macintosh.
- Step 3 – Training, Mastering Each Topic: List your top training requirements and execute through in-person training if available or through the many tutorials offered by the vendor or YouTube.
STEP 1 – APPLICATION SUITE SELECTION – BEST OPTION GOOGLE WORKSPACE: A “capable” cloud-based application suite that ties email/ browser/calendar/word processor/ spreadsheet/photos/etc. all within a browser environment or standalone apps across multiple HW platforms and OS’s. Not only are these accessible on any device, shareable/collaborative, security features are updated regularly.
- Did I say its FREE? You get 15GB of space for free and additional storage is reasonably priced at $20/100GB.
- You can always use those “best of breed” applications that are browser based (e.g. Zoom, WhatsApp, etc.) where Google applications may not shine.
- The Google Applications Suite is cross-platform and runs on tablets (ipad/Android), Macs, Window PC’s and smart phones (iPhone/Android).
- Most Google apps can work offline though some setup is required.
- Switch to GMail as Primary Email: it makes sense to move onto GMail as your primary account. GMail has many modern features and is portable…no longer are you tied to a service provider.
STEP 2 –NEW HARDWARE (ONLY IF NEEDED): It isn’t worth time and effort to support old hardware technology. It may not have the greatest connectivity and ports to meet current hardware and software requirements.
- New Computer/Laptop – BEST OPTION: Get a capable computer/laptop that is up to the task. New generation computers not only have support and warranty, they are capable of running new technologies such as video conferencing, AI, wire/wireless modern protocols, SSD vs HDD, etc. Some things to consider:
- Chromebook Plus – BEST OPTION: Laptops are the latest generation of HW for Chrome OS. Why Chromebook Plus?
- Chromebook– BETTER OPTION: Should be fine if you don’t need better processing speed, RAM and moderate storage requirement.
- Older Computer with ChromeOS Flex – FAIR OPTION: Experience is extremely variable. Generally, more recent hardware should result in a better experience.
- PC or Macintosh – GOOD OPTION: there is no problem in accessing the Google application stack. Just make sure you install the Chrome browser for the full Google experience.
- Computer or Laptop?: Almost all computer purchases are now laptops. They now have the performance of desktops of yore but are portable and have connectivity to external monitors and peripherals. Check out the article, Buying a Laptop for Seniors.
- Get a Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse for a Laptop at Home: Nothing improves productivity than adding a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
STEP 3 – TRAINING & MASTERING YOUR PRIORITIES: Learn the basics like understanding the operation of your computer. How to charge, connect to various peripherals (monitor/keyboard/mouse), connect to WIFI, printer setup, etc.
Learn the features of the operating system such as the file system such as the storage of files (local or cloud), how to move between open applications windows, how to upgrade, etc. Move onto the application stack and learn those that are important for everyday use specifically email and browser.
One the basics are understood, branch out to other applications. There are tons of videos out there such as learning to book your appointment with LifeLabs and how to use online banking. Leverage your local computer club as they may have support and training as well.
CLOSING REMARKS For many seniors, I believe going to the Google suite of applications will do wonders as once you get the hang of it, it is lightweight and meets the needs of the basic user across any smartphone (IOS/Android), tablet (IOS/Android) and computer hardware (Windows/Macintosh/Chromebook).
Once you have a computer/laptop setup that is capable and always works you will find you are spending less time looking for support and spending more time being productive. This will have a positive impact to your anxiety levels as you are now in control. This is just the first part of the journey into solving the senior technology divide challenge.
NOTE: Before undertaking any transition from your current computer/laptop or to a new operating system and applications, please consult with a consultant or peer group.
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