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Older people are increasingly disadvantaged through the routine requirement to go online for vital information and services.
This ‘digital exclusion’ is particularly pronounced for multicultural seniors, who already face systemic barriers to access.
EECV research has found that this is not an issue in isolation. The digital divide has far-reaching consequences, which often result in poorer physical and mental health outcomes for older people, less control in their ability to make decisions and lead independent lives, an increased risk of elder abuse, and a greater vulnerability to exploitation and scams.
The report outlines the importance of a bipartite approach, where older people have access to digital literacy training and support, while alternatives to digital connection continue to be resourced and effective. Research shows that many seniors respond well to culturally appropriate face-to-face training and mentoring.
However, there is also a significant number of older people who will never become digitally literate and who require alternative avenues to access information and services, such as paper-based, phone-based, and face-to-face options.
‘The digital divide: Impacts of older people from migrant communities’ puts forward a suite of 12 recommendations to bridge the digital divide and enhance quality of life for older Australians. These include:
proactively consulting with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds and their representative bodies for the development of the Australian Data and Digital Government Strategy
providing essential information by engaging trusted community leaders and ethno-specific/multicultural organisations
promoting information and services through ethnic media
co-designing digital literacy training programs with older people from migrant and refugee backgrounds
developing, monitoring, and enforcing ethical guidelines for the use of AI in the care and support of older Australians
Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is the peak body for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds in Victoria. ECCV works closely with more than 220 member organisations including ethnic associations, multicultural service providers, and regional ethnic communities’ councils.
ECCV has been advocating for human rights, freedom, respect, equality and dignity for migrant and refugee communities, and for a socially cohesive and inclusive Victorian community, since 1974.
ECCV has a strong record of informing industry, practice and influencing Federal, State, and Local governments to promote culturally responsive approaches and equitable access to services, antiracism and socially just policy.