Juliana Louceiro
As Europe’s ageing population continues to grow, it marches in step with the rapid digitalization of our societies. The shift towards digital public services is undeniable, with many already online, and numerous others transitioning. However, this transformation raises concerns about the potential exclusion of older individuals.
In response to these challenges, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has undertaken a significant initiative. Their recent report delves into the implications of digitalization on the fundamental rights of older citizens across EU Member States. For those interested in diving deeper, the full report is available here.
The FRA’s report comes at a crucial time when digitalization is reshaping the landscape of public services. The profound changes it conducts can potentially leave older individuals at a disadvantage, and this report seeks to highlight the issue.
This topic is connected to the SAA project because digitalization has the potential to amplify ageism. As society increasingly relies on digital services, older adults who are less digitally literate may experience exclusion, perpetuating stereotypes that they are technologically inept. In this way, we consider that promoting digital inclusivity and raising awareness about the digital gap that exists between generations are measures needed to combat ageism.