The initiative goes beyond digital literacy and builds a sense of community among senior citizens. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
IN TODAY’S rapidly evolving digital landscape, the constant introduction of new technology and platform updates is leaving a significant portion of Malaysia’s older generation behind.
Researchers are calling this phenomenon the “grey digital gap” – a growing chasm between tech-savvy youth and the elderly folk who struggle with digital basics.
This exclusion is having a profound effect on the well- being of the elderly.
Arjun: Many senior citizens initially believed technology was not meant for them.
Dr Nor Shuhada Mansor, a psychologist at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, explained that the deepening digital divide was leading to increased social isolation.
“Since the younger generation’s social life exists in both the physical and digital worlds, seniors who are not online can feel isolated from key conversations and experiences.
“For example, it becomes difficult for them to follow conversations at family gatherings because they are not aware of what is happening in this ‘alternate reality’ of online culture and platforms,” she said.
Nor Shuhada: The deepening ‘grey digital gap’ is causing the elderly to become more socially excluded. — Courtesy photo
Beyond social exclusion, many senior folk experience “technostress” – a term for any anxiety related to the use of new technology.
While this stress wasn’t exclusive to older adults, Nor Shuhada noted that the feeling was more pronounced for those who didn’t grow up with these tools.
“We have to keep in mind that our elderly population didn’t grow up with this technology and are not familiar with it.
“It is completely understandable for this unfamiliarity to create anxiety or even fear,” she said.
This initial resistance is a major hurdle.
Arjun Jaya Vejayan, 18, an intern who helps organise and teach digital literacy classes at the Kampung Tunku assemblyman’s service centre, has seen this hesitation firsthand.
“Many senior citizens initially believed technology was not meant for them. They tend to think it is something only the younger generation can use.
“Most struggle with navigating apps and websites and small buttons or icons without text, so we make sure to leave time for individual help before class ends,” he said.
The importance of digital inclusion goes beyond social connection.
It can also be a powerful tool for cognitive health.
Nor Shuhada pointed to studies showing that engaging with technology could significantly reduce cognitive impairment.
“Digital interaction has the potential to lower the risk of cognitive impairment by at least 58%,” she stated.
“With the World Health Organisation’s statistics showing a year-on-year increase in dementia incidence, using digital engagement as a non-pharmacological intervention is a crucial strategy.”
To bridge the grey digital gap and harness the cognitive benefits of technology, Nor Shuhada stresses the need for family support and strong peer and intergenerational interaction.
“Since technology is very daunting for them, helping them navigate these digital tools and apps is essential,” she advised, advocating for digital literacy programmes that feature significant one-to-one social interactions.
Arjun’s experience in the classroom validates this approach, showing how peer support and hands-on guidance transform attitudes.
“When they see other seniors using these apps confidently, they realise it is possible for them too,” he noted, adding that more people sign up after hearing positive feedback from friends.
The sessions have led to dramatic and heartwarming changes in the senior folk.
“Some started video calling their children and friends, while others used Google Maps’ street view to explore their hometowns,” said Arjun.
“The biggest improvement is in how they now approach technology. After the classes, they adopted a sense of curiosity and playfulness towards devices, which allows them to navigate these things on their own.”
He recalled one light-hearted moment during a lesson on Internet browsers.
“We played a game to see who had the most tabs open, and two seniors had over 600.
“Moments like that made me realise these programmes aren’t just about digital literacy, but also about building a sense of community among them,” he said.
