Aging in the Digital World: An Anthropological Study of Digital Adaptation and its Impact on Older Adults in Rawalpindi

Abstract

The rapid digital transformation of society affects people of all ages. This study, "Aging in the Digital World: Digital Adaptation and its Impact on Older Adults in Rawalpindi," investigated how older individuals integrated digital technologies into their lives, focusing on their acceptance, usage, and the consequent changes in their well-being. Drawing from the concepts of "digital natives" and "digital immigrants”, this research explored how older adults adapted to the digital landscape, and what might be challenges they encountered during this process of adaptation. This study highlighted the role of intergenerational learning, self-directed efforts, and peer support in overcoming digital barriers. This study aimed to determine the current state of usage of digital technology among older individuals. It explores the normativity and everyday practices utilized by the target group in the process of inhabiting the online space, describes the consequences of adaptation on social and physical well-being, and identifies the obstacles to the utilization of digital technologies among retirees. This study aimed to address research inquiries regarding the integration of technology into the daily lives of older adults. What is the impact of digital communication on the social ties of older adults? How does technology impact individuals' social, physical, and cognitive well-being? What impact does technology have on older adults while they are learning or using it? In this study, the research methodology used is digital ethnography which was qualitative. It helped to capture the participants’ perceptions about technology usage. Digital ethnography examined the behavior of respondents online and in the physical environment of engaged with the technology. The study employed both online and offline interviews; and textual analysis of blogger’s sites, social networking sites, and online articles. The data-gathering techniques used are the establishment of rapport, participant observation, Semi-Structured and Unstructured interviews, and Informant interviews. The study sample involved 33 respondents; all these were retired older adults who lived in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and were aged 60 to 70 and above, with prior exposure to digital technologies. To get rich and related information, the purposive sampling technique was applied to select the respondents. They were selected because of the heterogeneous population and more actively engaging with technological devices. For my study, I have selected the Rawalpindi region. The population of Rawalpindi consisted primarily of retirees who have some previous work experience and have been somewhat accustomed to using technology. That is why, I have included older adults in my research on how they have adapted to the needs of digital technology. Participants were recruited through online forums who showed their willingness to participate in my research. I contacted the study participants with the assistance of two key informants who were knowledgeable about digital technology and significant aspects of older adults' virtual communities. However, further explanation of participant groups is written on page No:46. This study involved both male and female participants to have a broad perspective. Therefore, the current study highlighted the critical role that digital technology, especially social media and smartphones, played in promoting social connection, reducing social isolation, and improving social quality of life. Maintaining these relationships some activities are required like participating in various WhatsApp groups, making video calls, and exchanging messages on social media. The older adults in the study were engaged with the digital tools for certain specific activities such as finding entertainment, news, and religious material, showing that digital literacy promotes social engagement and contributes to the social and mental well-being of older adults. The study findings revealed that digital transition has a significant impact on the social and mental well-being of older adults. It indicated that older adults with better educational attainment, prior experience with technological gadgets, and families who encouraged the use of digital technologies were more likely to engage with such digital devices. When it came to confidence, men generally exhibited higher levels of confidence in using technology, often due to their previous work experiences. However, educated and employed women are also not far behind in terms of confidence, and digital literacy. The family context played a crucial role in facilitating the adaptation of digital technologies by older adults. Therefore, most of the participants increased their dependence on younger family members and those who were more proficient in information technology to assist them with complex IT-related tasks. This dependency indicated a deficiency in the population's technological proficiency, leading them to prefer relying on human assistance rather than utilizing instructional videos from the Internet. Grandchildren and other younger generations who actively strived to narrow the digital divide were frequently present in the family. However, older adults encounter certain challenges that concern them when it comes to using digital technology. Financial constraints exacerbate these concerns by limiting the availability of new devices and reliable internet connections for older adults. Nevertheless, other obstacles hinder older adults from fully engaging in online activities. These obstacles arise from cultural disparities, including issues such as low self-esteem, as well as concerns around privacy and security. The rapid evolution of technology and user interfaces can provide significant challenges for older adults, who may find it difficult to adapt to new technical solutions and innovations. A significant number of older adults possess limited understanding and expertise in utilizing diverse digital devices. This is because older adults may have lower levels of digital literacy and social engagement, and they still require significant support from younger ones. This suggests a significant divide in digital literacy.