Caregiver Monitor Q3 2024: The impact of digitalization on older adults

Figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) show that people between 25 and 45 years old are the most digitally skilled. For other groups, however, jumping on the digital bandwagon is not always so straightforward.

Every quarter, Beep for Help conducts a survey among more than a thousand Dutch people aged between 50 and 65. This time, the goal was to gain insight into their concerns regarding the topic of 'digital skills'.

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Not a 'carefree' retirement

Healthcare has been under immense pressure for quite some time, making it increasingly difficult for staff to keep up with the growing demand for care. In addition, people avoiding care out of fear of high costs is a growing problem. The new government programme presented by the Schoof cabinet outlines various measures to improve the healthcare sector, such as lowering the deductible, building suitable housing, and addressing staff shortages. The cabinet aims primarily to tackle the most severe shortages in elderly care, concerning both personnel and appropriate living spaces.

Despite these plans, people over fifty remain consistently worried about the future. Research by Beep for Help shows that no less than 67 percent of women in their sixties worry about their old age.

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Feelings of isolation‍

A multi-year study by ASCoR at the University of Amsterdam shows that many Dutch people still need to significantly brush up on their digital skills and knowledge. In particular, topics such as ‘sustainable use of digital devices’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI)’ pose a challenge. This applies to people in the Netherlands of all ages and education levels. In addition, research by Beep for Help reveals that a lack of digital skills has far-reaching consequences for some older adults. For example, seven percent report feeling alienated from society because of it. Practically educated women, in particular, experience a sense of exclusion (twelve percent). 

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Keeping up digitally remains a major challenge‍

Factors such as income and education are not the only contributors to inequality in the Netherlands. A 2023 report by the SCP shows that the digital divide also plays a significant role. This comes despite the fact that the European Accessibility Act requires essential day-to-day services to be accessible to everyone by 2025. Think, for example, of applying for healthcare allowances and buying public transport tickets. However, research by Beep for Help shows that 25 percent of Dutch people aged between 50 and 65 still struggle to keep up digitally. More than three in ten women in their sixties even state that they are falling behind digitally.

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A rise in digital communication‍

Calling, texting on WhatsApp, and facetiming are just a few examples of the many online ways we stay in touch with one another today. According to figures from CBS last year, an impressive 89 percent of Dutch people use a phone to access the internet. In 2022, sending emails and text messages—particularly via WhatsApp—were the most common forms of online communication. At the same time, the digitisation of our society is also making life easier for older adults, as shown by recent research from Beep for Help. More than half of respondents indicated that the rise of smartphones and social media has enabled them to have more contact with family and friends. Women in their sixties, in particular, are maintaining more and more online contact with those around them. 

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A need for genuine connection

According to Communicatierijk, an emerging trend is underway where people are seeking more peace of mind and authentic contact. This desire stems from the increase in digital communication, which is often perceived as superficial. Furthermore, recent research by Beep for Help shows that one in eight people over 50 actually feel less connected as a result of communicating online with family and friends. Residents of Drenthe, in particular, feel that the quality of contact with their social circle has diminished due to digitisation (24 percent). 

View more Caregiver Monitors
Curious about previous studies? Every quarter, Beep for Help publishes a Caregiver Monitor to provide insight into the concerns and expectations of Dutch people over fifty regarding various topics. Here you will find an overview of previous editions.

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