Bridging the digital divide for older CALD communities

The report emphasises that this is not an issue in isolation.

The digital divide has far-reaching consequences, such as poorer physical and mental health outcomes for older people, and less control in their ability to make decisions and lead independent lives.

Many may also become vulnerable to elder abuse, exploitation and scams.

For some seniors, support, training, and mentoring is the answer. This includes the delivery of culturally appropriate face-to-face training in the participants’ preferred language by bicultural workers and trusted multicultural or ethno-specific organisations.

However, there are many older people who will never become digitally literate and require alternative avenues to access information and services.