technology

Challenges Facing Older Residents in a Digitally-Driven Society

Older residents in Park City face challenges adapting to a digital world, impacting their independence.

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Park City is known for its innovation and progress, but many older residents face significant challenges in adapting to a rapidly digital world. Essential tasks like accessing health care, managing finances, and communicating with service providers increasingly require digital skills that many seniors lack. This digital divide creates barriers for older Americans, affecting their independence and ability to navigate everyday life. For instance, online health-care portals and banking apps are now standard, yet they often require skills that older adults may not possess. Tasks such as resetting passwords or understanding digital notifications can become overwhelming for those experiencing cognitive decline or other age-related challenges. In the job market, the shift to online applications and remote onboarding can exclude older workers who may not be tech-savvy. Many jobs that do not require complex skills are lost to automated systems that prioritize digital proficiency over experience and reliability. As a result, older adults often find themselves screened out before their applications are even reviewed. In communities like Summit County, where a significant portion of the population is older, the reliance on these residents for volunteer work and caregiving makes this issue particularly concerning. Families frequently step in to help manage accounts and navigate digital platforms, but not every senior has someone to assist them, leading to increased isolation. Furthermore, many older adults are apprehensive to admit their struggles with technology, fearing a loss of independence. While technology was intended to facilitate aging, it has often made it more complex and intimidating. To address these challenges, it is vital for health-care providers, banks, and employers to offer non-digital options and ensure that older adults have access to personal assistance. By designing systems that consider the unique needs of aging populations, communities can foster inclusion rather than exclusion. It is crucial for areas like Park City to prioritize the well-being of all residents, ensuring that progress does not inadvertently disenfranchise older citizens.