Are the elderly at risk of social exclusion? What can we do? Silver Surfers Are the elderly at risk of social exclusion? What can we do?

Who are the “silver surfer”? Someone who is over 50 years old Uses internet frequently

What caused it? With all kinds of new technology coming into our daily lives everyday. Easy access to the Internet. User friendly gadgets to access the Internet The elders are no exception in becoming an Internet user.

Problem? The retired elderly does not spend time socialize themselves with people. Lost connection to friends. Lesser talk with family members. They restrict their “social circle” into the Internet, only.

Facts about the aging population

Take-up of communication services

Internet penetration by groups

Risks of social exclusion towards them Greater financial uncertainty Experience loneliness Experience unmet social care needs Web addiction Victims of fraud Higher risk of chronic diseases

Greater financial uncertainty Easy online shopping with just a single tap. Limited financial resource while tempting to buy something. Causing financial uncertainty since they might use their fund to fulfil their desire.

Experience loneliness Hard to find someone to speak with. They spent most time on social website and Internet. Rather than trying to talk face-to-face. Slowly consumed by loneliness . Choose to end up their life at the end.

Experience unmet social care needs Suffer from lower levels of social support. Have greater difficulties in negotiating assistance. Paying for assistance.

Web addiction Spend more time online rather than talking or spend time with person. Play games to stay their senses stimulated. Eventually does not try to talk to people face-to-face anymore.

Risk of having chronic diseases Prolonged time of surfing web will increase risk of death from any cause Associated with: cardiovascular diseases, chest pain, heart attack. Even spending few hours time to work out doesn’t significantly offset the risk. Suggested to have more outdoor activities instead of prolonged hours spend time on the Internet.

Benefits of silver surfer surfing the Internet Helps build relationship Bridging the gap Get emotional benefits. Helps fighting against dementia.

Helps build relationship Elders can keep in touch with friends and family no matter where they are So they will not feel alone easily Based on a research found on MedScape, it shows that most elderlies are facing mobility decline While with the Internet, they can keep in touch with others easily

Bridging the gap Elders could not cope up with youngsters who use the Internet everyday Whereby the gap between them and their children exists With the Internet knowledge, they can have common activities with their children Thus bridging the gap between them

Get emotional benefits Elders are left behind of the digital age With knowledge on Internet, they can enhance their self esteem Thus not left behind of the digital age Researchers from Michigan State University stated surfing the Internet can reduce the instances of depression by about 30%

Helps fighting against dementia Research shows silver surfers have lower rate of having dementia. It is a good way to ensure the elderly still able to maintain their mental faculties. Researchers also found that learning new things (Internet) helps create neural pathways and stimuli their brain.

So, what can we do? Even though the “silver surfers” are connected to the Internet social network, there are still things needed to bear in mind. They surf Internet to kill loneliness. Their child does not have time to accompany time. So they might still experience social exclusion even they are silver surfer. In fact, occasionally technology made us feel lonelier.

Provide Transportation Primary cause of social exclusion is lack of adequate transportation. Normally, seniors don’t prefer to drive and they feel like a burden when ask for a ride. We provide transportation for them to get around and maintain their social network. Independent travel choices will allow as much social activity as desired.

Positive support Give them a hug  Research shows friendly touching from friends and family can lower stress and promote feeling of well-being. Furthermore, we should always provide companionship and emotional support to them. Communicate more with them to prevent the elderly feeling isolated by others.

Physical Activities Physical activity reduces social exclusion For example, group exercise programs are effective ways to reduce isolation and loneliness in seniors. At the same time bringing improvements to physical and mental health.

Having meal together Eating together with friends or family will also help in preventing social exclusion. The act of eating together can be a very social activity. Food is an occasion for sharing, giving and exchanging stories. Why not telling the seniors to invite a friend out for a coffee?

Adopt a pet We can encourage them to adopt a pet or plant to take care of. Feelings of uselessness and loneliness are common in seniors. Children rely lesser and lesser on their parents. Providing a plant or pet to love and take care of provides a sense of nurturing and ownership. Helps lifting senior’s spirits and give them a sense of daily purpose.

Neighbours and the Community Seniors should get around to know their neighbours. Join neighbours in exercises or activities. Join in community groups and find out what’s happening in their community. Community education is a way to meet new people and keep their mind active. Local community centres often cater for older adults with activities like Yoga classes. Local churches, cooking groups and libraries can be a good start too.

Conclusion Since we could not escape from the usage of Internet in all the age groups, we should encourage healthy exercise on using the Internet. Internet got its pros and cons so we have to pick up the pros and find solution to drop the cons brought by the Internet. Thus our dear elders quite live a healthy and energetic live with the assistance of Internet, without being addicted to it.