Teaching older people new tricks: Tackling digital exclusion in Post-Covid service provision

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic necessitated a shift in service delivery, replacing face-to-face therapy with telephone and technology-based approaches. However, this transition left many older adults without the necessary equipment and unfamiliar with digital platforms, resulting in digital exclusion. To bridge this gap, our older people’s mental health service loaned mobile SIM-enabled tablets, adapted for ease of use, to those lacking internet access. With comprehensive training and support, even individuals with no prior experience successfully engaged with the devices, challenging ageist beliefs. As information technology becomes the new norm for health services, it is essential to equip, adapt, train, and support older people to counter digital exclusion.