The Effects of Covid-19 on the Digital Literacy of the Elderly: Norms for Digital Inclusion

Abstract

The current sanitary crisis due to COVID-19 has further evidenced the enormous digital exclusion of older adults. Furthermore, the crisis has urged older adults to adopt new technologies to facilitate their tasks, as well as to provide them with an effective means against loneliness and social isolation caused by the confinement. In light of this, Digital Literacy is necessary for all those excluded from the digital era, who are characterized mainly by little or no ability to effectively use technologies. Nevertheless, detailed studies showing the leap from mixed (Blended Learning, BL) to digital literacy in the elderly have not been published. The objective of the present research was to analyze the level of Digital Literacy with the Digital Literacy Evaluation (DILE) of two groups of elderly adults with different levels of literacy (Group 1: G1, and Group 2: G2) during three stages: BL (Aug–Dec 2019); Transition (Feb–Jun 2020); and Digital (Aug–Dec 2020). Comparisons were made before each educational level (pre-pre-pre) and after each educational level (post-post-post) and during consecutive periods before and after each semester (pre vs post) and throughout different educational levels (G1: Basic 1, B1; Basic 2, B2; and intermediate 1, I1; and G2: Intermediate 1 to 3, I1, I2, and I3). Subsequently, considering all the elderly who had passed at least one of the literacy levels, we worked with a total sample of 176 older adults. The comparisons showed that, before the pandemic, G1’s pre digital literacy levels increased between B1 and B2 and that the differences continued with that increasing trend between the B1 level and the I1 completely digital treatment, and the same was observed for post measurements. On the other hand, for the G2, the differences in the DILE were statistically significant between the pre-condition of I2 (before the pandemic) and the I3 (completely digital treatment); and between the pre-conditions of I1 and I3; the same results were obtained for post treatments. Also, pre vs post scores on the DILE were statistically significant and older adults increased progressively their digital literacy despite the COVID-19 pandemic and jumped to the digital age.

Impact of Digital Literacy and Problematic Smartphone Use on Life Satisfaction: Comparing Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The results in this study aligned with previous research indicating that digital literacy can enhance individual well-being whereas PSU can harm individual well-being [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 18 , 19 ]. Since the proportion of life using smartphones has increased, the impact of online life on offline life has also been increasing [ 2 ].…”

“…A significant percentage of students follow their lessons digitally through digital platforms while teachers and facilitators administer their classes and exams online. Research by Martínez-Alcalá et al [ 15 ] suggests that online learning positively impacts information retention, and less time is taken to complete courses. This implies that the changes created by the pandemic might be long-lasting.…”

“…Currently, more people are using the internet for entertainment purposes and online shopping. As part of leisure time, individuals use their smartphones to video-call family and friends [ 15 ]. The use of the internet to make video calls helps boost interactions and ensure the overall well-being of family members and friends.…”

Mature and Older Adults’ Perception of Active Ageing and the Need for Supporting Services: Insights from a Qualitative Study

“…In this context, technologies, internet and social media have played a crucial role in providing alternatives to various daily activities, as well as for replacing physical encounters with virtual interactions [72], although the majority of older adults are not as proficient in using digital solutions as younger people are and this increased their exclusion and feeling of loneliness [69]. Thus, as suggested by Martins van Jaarsveld et al [73] and Martínez-Alcalá [74], digital literacy among older adults is needed.…”

Technology and Quality of Life of Older People in Times of COVID: A Qualitative Study on Their Changed Digital Profile

“…Finally, the results highlight their clear intention to continue using technological resources. Some studies have stressed that older adults have increasing interest in using technologies to adapt and integrate in today’s society [ 54 , 55 ]. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to this rise as an opportunity to use technological resources.…”