Get All Access for $5/mo

Closing the Digital Divide – Technology as the New Fountain of Youth Data proves online interaction/engagement improves overall quality of life

By Tarmo Pihl

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shutterstock

Being social keeps us young!

Generally speaking human beings are social creatures, this fact can be evidenced throughout history and can be highlighted with a myriad of examples some of which include; patriotism, religion, education even the nuclear family. These are but a few examples all of which require a certain level of social interaction to maintain and function.

Due to our nature interaction with other people is a core component in maintaining a balanced and healthy life. Several studies have been conducted that show how an individual's quality of life can deteriorate if they become socially isolated. The deterioration in social, spiritual and mental wellbeing often creates a negative impact on a person's physical wellbeing; making them less youthful.

The digital divide, how long will it last?

According to the U.S. Census bureau the number of people ages 65 and older was 46.2 million in 2014, this number is predicted to reach 82.3 million by 2040 and 98.2 million by 2060. Furthermore, in recent years there has been a shift towards older adults maintaining independence and remaining in their homes for longer.

It is important to note that those that will be 65+ in 2040 are currently in their late 30s early 40s and those who will be 65+ in 2060 are 20-25 now, both of these demographics utilise computers and current tech readily. It is reasonable to conclude that the present digital divide will be less apparent in the future because younger generations have grown up with computers, it will be second nature when they are older. If we can consider this, it is fair to say that the digital divide will gradually close of its own accord. We will probably see a rapid close in the digital divide within the next 5-10 years as the aging population will comprise of a lot more people who use computers on a daily basis now.

Can tech compensate?

The role that technology has to play in this arena has yet to be fully determined. Some would argue that there is no substitute for actual human contact. Others would argue that the virtual world and interactions therein are just as meaningful to an individual and their wellbeing. Situations like this are now becoming common place.

Although technological interaction is not for everyone, it can be evidenced that virtual interaction and community have a positive impact as opposed to complete isolation.

The solution for the current divide

Waiting for the digital divide to heal itself is not a practical solution.

It is important to understand why the current digital divide exists and what can be done to bridge the gap sooner. One of the main barriers to uptake in new technologies is the rate in which technology is progressing. Due to the high rate of progression many older adults cannot always keep up with ever changing user interfaces or the devices that are being used.

The solution is simple; create platforms and devices that bridge the gap by using older technologies that older adults are comfortable with and at the same time incorporate modern solutions into them. By retrofitting devices with modern design principles and functionality you will find that the benefits of new technology can be brought to a wider audience.

Tarmo Pihl

CEO, Sentab

Tarmo Pihl is the co-founder and CEO of Sentab, a social network for older adults. He started his career as a high tech innovation consultant and has been working with high tech companies ever since. He has a MSc from the University of Tartu, majoring in Finance and International Economics. Tarmo Pihl is a co-founder of innovation consulting company Invent Baltics and Modesat Communications OÜ, a technology based company focused on developing and commercializing world leading communication solutions for wireless backhaul applications. After the acquisition of Modesat, Tarmo Pihl has been working in Xilinx as a Director for Marketing. In 2015, he joined Sentab full time.

Starting a Business

Spend Less Time Worrying About Your Company's Runway — And More Time Rethinking Your Strategy. Here's How.

Perceived short runways leave founders in angst. It does not have to be this way; the best way to extend the runway is the right strategy.

Lifestyle

Here's a quick five points to decode 10 years of Kiara Advani in Bollywood

As the actress shared an emotional post on her social media while celebrating her decade-long ride as a Bollywood star, with multiple superhit films and more than 25 brand endorsements in her kitty, we look at five interesting points to encapsulate the journey of Kiara Advani.

Social Media

Five Indian film producers are exploring business beyond cinema

Very recently, the Ahmedabad-based ice cream brand Hocco raised funds, and among many, they have two angel investors from Bollywood: Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. From Karan Johar to Alia Bhatt, Rana Daggubati to Ronnie Screwvala, there are film producers who are expanding their horizons as business visionaries by investing in different sectors. Here we take a look at some of such personalities.

News and Trends

Work With AI: LinkedIn Debuts Suite of New AI Experiences

In a blog post, LinkedIn chief product officer Tomer Cohen shared how the company observed a remarkable trend of a 5x increase year-over-year in the number of learners engaging with Al courses and content on the platform

Innovation

The Key to Real Innovation Is Cross-Pollination — Here Are 10 Ways to Implement It in Your Business

Transform your business with this unique approach to sparking innovation.