Active aging, gender equality, and lifelong digital literacy

EUROPEAN CONFERENCE TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSITION & ACTIVE AGEING

14 February 2024

“Active aging, gender equality, and lifelong digital literacy”

Dr. Anna Karamanou
Former Member of the European Parliament & President of the Parliamentary Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

Introduction

The rapid evolution of technology and science indeed causes concern, particularly among the elderly, a sense of Frankenstein syndrome, a fear that our very technological achievements will rise against us. We live in an era where, while technological and scientific inventiveness gallops ahead, social inventiveness lags behind, often failing to synchronize its pace. The feverish world of the ^21stcentury has created a global epidemic of stress.

The so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution unites all technologies, blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological. We have already entered a new era where widespread automation and AI affect all areas of our lives, replacing humans with machines and algorithms, while requiring continuous education, new skills, and new qualifications. Therefore, the issue of technological transition and how we can participate amid the overwhelming changes is extremely relevant and urgent.

Active aging, gender equality, and lifelong digital literacy, which is my subject, are three key issues that are interconnected and significantly affect the quality of life of individuals at every stage of their lives. Let’s see how they are defined.

1) Active aging: It is the process of maintaining physical, mental, and social well-being during aging, with the aim of a healthy, autonomous, and productive life. The promotion of active aging is a method of approaching aging and the difficulties arising from it for the individual and society. With this specific term, we describe the maintenance of good health in the elderly, the protection of their independence and autonomy, the assurance of their quality of life, and their active participation in social, cultural, and spiritual activities. According to the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), active aging is “the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance the quality of life as people age.”

Digital technology can play an important role in promoting active aging, offering older adults access to information, social networking services, educational opportunities, and harnessing their capabilities for health and well-being. However, the implementation of active aging requires significant changes in perceptions, habits, stereotypes, and organizational structures of society.

2) Gender Equality: It refers to the equal access and participation of men and women in all aspects of social, economic, and political life and the combating of discrimination and inequalities based on gender. On a global scale, women live longer than men, constituting 2/3 of the population over 80 years old, with life expectancy continuously increasing. Men and women experience aging differently physiologically, emotionally, and socially. However, related discussions tend to neglect gender discrimination and focus on the needs and rights of women of productive and reproductive age.

Compared to men, elderly women are much more likely to have a life filled with disadvantages, a web of discrimination and inequalities that dramatically affect their quality of life. Digital technology can serve as a tool for promoting gender equality by combating discrimination, stereotypes, prejudices, and economic inequalities.

Stereotypes and prejudices

Often elderly women are treated as useless, unproductive, and disconnected from modern developments.
The devaluation of their mental and physical capabilities leads them to marginalization and social exclusion.
Sexism and age discrimination (ageism) deprive older women of opportunities for employment, education, and social participation.

Economic inequalities & Social challenges

The wage gap between men and women, early retirement due to family responsibilities, leads to lower pensions, limited financial autonomy, and poverty among elderly women. The lack of financial security deprives women of access to quality healthcare, housing, and basic goods.

Widowhood, isolation, and lack of social support negatively affect their mental health and well-being.
Abuse and neglect, whether at home or in institutions, constitute a serious problem that disproportionately affects older women.
The lack of access to digital skills and technologies limits access to information, services, and social networking.

3) Life Long Digital Literacy: It is defined as the ability of an individual to effectively utilize digital technologies for access, analysis, creation and dissemination of information. Digital literacy is an essential skill for successful integration in the digital society and economy. Providing citizens, regardless of age and gender, with opportunities for developing digital skills is necessary for promoting social cohesion and equal access to the opportunities provided by the digital transition.

Promotion of the three goals

Collaboration among governments, organizations, businesses, and citizens is required to promote active aging, gender equality, and digital literacy.
It is essential to implement policies and programs that take into account the needs and particularities of all individuals, regardless of age and gender.
Digital technology can be a powerful tool for social progress and welfare if utilized in a proper and just manner.

Important ΕΕ initiatives

The European Union has undertaken initiatives to promote active aging, gender equality, and digital literacy.
The Erasmus+ program offers opportunities for the development of digital skills for individuals of all ages.
The European Digital Agenda and the Digital Compass 2030 – the European route for the digital decade
The European Parliament calls on the European Commission and the member states to align with the Union’s goals for gender equality in the process of digital transition (resolution of January 21, 2021). It is emphasized that the digital transition should not leave anyone behind and commends the Commission’s commitments to enhance the participation of women in the digital economy and information society, which are included in the gender equality strategy 2020-2025.

Combating discrimination against elderly women

Adoption of policies and programs aimed at combating stereotypes and prejudices is required.
Enhancing the economic independence of elderly women through equal employment opportunities and access to social benefits and geriatric support structures that consider the specific needs of elderly women.
Funding for medical research programs for diseases that particularly affect women.
Promotion of digital inclusion and provision of opportunities for the development of digital skills that will empower older women and combat social exclusion.

Lifelong Education for the Elderly: New Knowledge and New Technologies

Lifelong education for the elderly in new knowledge and new technologies is a matter of great importance for modern society. The rapid advancement of technology and the increase in life expectancy present new challenges and opportunities for the elderly.

Advantages of lifelong learning

Mental and psychological well-being: Lifelong learning keeps the mind active, promotes critical thinking, combats dementia, and improves mood.
Social networking: Participation in educational activities offers opportunities for new acquaintances, the creation of friendly bonds, and the fight against social isolation.
Boosting self-confidence: Acquiring new knowledge and skills increases self-confidence and the sense of autonomy.
Digital literacy: Familiarity with new technologies bridges the digital divide, facilitates daily life, and opens new paths for communication and entertainment.
Active aging: Lifelong learning contributes to active aging by keeping individuals productive and socially engaged.
Specialized programs: Creation of study programs tailored to the needs and interests of the elderly.
Flexible forms of learning: distance education, lifelong learning courses, experiential seminars.
Funding: Scholarships, social integration programs, incentives for participation.
Train the trainers: Specialization of educators in adult education
Volunteering: Encouraging volunteers to support the elderly in learning new technologies.

Conclusion:

Lifelong education for the elderly in new knowledge and new technologies represents an investment in the future. The government must take care to provide equal opportunities for education for all, regardless of age, ensuring that the elderly have the necessary tools for an active, healthy, and creative life.

The addressing of discrimination and inequalities experienced by elderly women is an ethical and social necessity. The adoption of holistic policies and collective efforts can lead to a more just and inclusive society that honors and utilizes the value and contribution of elderly women.

Important sources:

https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource