The Challenge of Individual Social Inclusion
Social isolation and loneliness are detrimental factors on an individuals’ health. Digital exclusion and a fragmented service landscape worsen the issue.
Accessibility
Loneliness and social isolation have become a significant mental and physical health threat, especially for the elderly.
Digital Inclusion
Providing solutions specifically created for the aging population will become necessity.
Fragmentation
Information for and on senior citizens is often dispersed among various stakeholders and leads to information silos.
The change in demographics combined with technological development carves out distinct challenges and opportunities for individual social inclusion. By 2024, people over 65 in the WHO European Region will outnumber those under 15.
Each retirement is an individual journey just as the individual retirees are unique.
We need a holistic and personal approach to retirement and social inclusion. The right technology and systems can help create happy and healthy senior citizens.
For the individual, it is important to maintain a sense of purpose throughout retirement. Healthy, productive and included seniors have a positive effect on all society.
ACCESSIBILITY
Technological Challenges
A digital society places obstacles for many, notably the ageing demographic, making digital platforms seem like intricate labyrinths. This potentially fuels sentiments of digital estrangement and lowers participation in online activities and local communities.
Leveraging AgeTech (Workforce and Technology) can offer tailored solutions for the elderly. Integrating user-friendly interfaces and tools specifically designed for their unique needs, thereby help bridging this digital divide.
Inadequate Digital Infrastructure
Online platforms often reveal a lack of empathy towards lower digital literacy. A deficit in intuitive designs or tools narrows the digital highway for many.
Welfare Technology can be a way forward for organisations. An emphasis needs to lay on the creation and use of platforms that are inclusive. They cater to a spectrum of users and make sure that no one feels left behind.
DIGITAL INCLUSION
The Digital Divide
The wave of technological advancement has left a noticeable fragment of the populace in its wake. This is especially true among older generations who might not resonate entirely with the digital world.
Workforce Agility principles can be instrumental to address this. Customised training modules that cater to different age groups can empower individuals to confidently navigate the digital space. Fostering digital inclusion mitigates Brand and Reputation Risks.
Non-Financial Retirement
Retirement is about more than just financial preparation. Work provides individuals with much more than a salary. Many people derive purpose, goals or social inclusion directly from work. Finding replacement strategies for these and other beneficial aspects of work is crucial.
Non-Financial Retirement preparation is an important building block in ensuring a healthy senior population. An assessment and tailor-made plan can help achieving goals. Organisations must ensure to release well-prepared individuals to retirement.
FRAGMENTATION
Overwhelming Choices
Strategic Age Management practices can help organisations to develop programs specifically targeted towards their elderly workforce. Streamlining the organisations’ offering to a singular platform fosters digital inclusion. Selecting the right tools to prepare individuals for their journey is important. Treating the ageing population as a key strategic filed will put organisations in the driver seat to navigate the future.
Lack of Standardisation
The lack of standards across platforms or services deepens feelings of desolation. Utilising proven platforms in the AgeTech space assists in streamlining Health and Wellbeing initiatives. Organisations can help individuals by implementing platforms with network effects by using existing ecosystems.
Individual social inclusion is under threat in today’s rapidly changing world. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach. Businesses, governments, and communities need to work collaboratively.
To include everyone in progress, we need user-friendly infrastructure. Additionally, we need to provide education on how to use technology effectively. Lastly, we should actively seek ways to unite a currently divided market.
Get in touch for a personalised consultation for your organization