Social Adaptation of the Elderly to Digital Transformation of Society: The Sociological Research in Hanoi Capital and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

Abstract

Introduction. The population aging in Hanoi Capital and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) coincides with the development of the 4th Industrial Revolution and digital transformation. The article aims to analyze the current state of social adaptation of elderly people in Vietnam to the digital transformation of society through their attitudes and levels of accessing and using to certain types of digital technologies in the economic, political, social and cultural field. Materials and Methods. The sociological survey of 984 elderly people in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City was conducted from May to September 2022. SPSS version 25.0 was used for statistical analysis and quantitative testing. The national census reports and population aging data were also analyzed. Results. Elderly people are poorly aware of the function and usefulness of some digital technologies, although this technologies are quite popular, necessary, and even created only for them. Therefore, they do not have good access to them. The main reasons are ignorance, the absence of help and guidance. However, elderly people believe that digital technologies will help them live happier and more convenient. Discussion and Conclusion. Equipping the younger generation with digital knowledge and skills is a necessary preparation for the goal of “active aging” in digital era. The government needs more relevant projects to improve the social adaptation of elderly people; pay attention to the best solution to the digital divide for elderly people being in rural area, poor group, low education and living alone. The results of this article provide some important implications for state agencies, elderly associations, family institutions and the elderly. This results will supply ideas to build necessary solutions and policies for the elderly in the digital era.