COMPUTER BASED TECHNOLOGY AND CAREGIVING FOR OLDER ADULTS Presentation by Karyne Jones Conley, President & CEO The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.

DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS HAVES HAVE-NOTS Income Race Age Education Employment Technology Skills Awareness of Benefits Perception of Need

Unlimited Potential While computer technology holds unlimited promise for communication, information dissemination, service provision and applications designed to support caregiving, we must be vigilant to insure that the all Americans are able to benefit. The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc. DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

Historical Challenge The digital divide contributes yet another measure to distinguish the haves and the have-nots in our society. The same groups continue to be excluded. America’s historical challenge of equality has extended to include technology. DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

Contributing Factors Income Race/Ethnicity Age Education Employment The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc. DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

Minority Impact Minority Americans experience a technological gap in their communities and will continue to be disadvantaged in: DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc. Health information and services Employment Housing opportunities Medical/technological advances

Source: Falling through the Net: Toward Digital Inclusion, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, October 2000 Percentage of U.S. Households DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

Poor Percentages Less than 50% of households earning less than $35,000 per year have computers or internet access. Less than 40% of persons who have not attended college have computers or Internet access. The over 50 age group has the second lowest Internet access rate. DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

Minority Aged The minority aged will face greater challenges because of the present disadvantage of access to technology. The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc. DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

Source: Falling through the Net: Toward Digital Inclusion, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, October 2000 Internet Use Percentage of Individuals 50+ DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

Percentage of Individuals Source: Falling through the Net: Toward Digital Inclusion, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, October 2000 Internet Access/PC Use DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

Mitigating Factors –Employment –Intergenerational education –Targeted marketing –Directed resources –Culturally competent educational programming –Changing perceptions –Overcoming fear DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

Social Responsibility Educators, the private and public sectors, caregivers and family members must work together to bring the benefits of technology to the senior population. DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.

Conclusion The potential for changing the dynamic is as great as it is for the technology. The segments that do not have computers or Internet access represent potential for market expansion. The seniors entering retirement in the future will be increasingly more computer literate as they exit the workforce. The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc. DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

Conclusion The potential for changing the dynamic is as great as it is for the technology. The segments that do not have computers or Internet access represent potential for market expansion. The seniors entering retirement in the future will be increasingly more computer literate as they exit the workforce. The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc. DIGITAL DIVIDE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS