KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 3
Though digital technology is proving to be a boon for senior citizens, its disproportionate access has become a matter of concern, said the people concerned.
Experts from the related field and academicians participating in an international conference organised here today on the occasion of the 31st International Senior Citizens' Day raised the issue in this regard.
The growing population of senior citizens, lack of effective implementation of laws, policies and action plans meant for health, security and dignified life of senior citizens, adversities facing elderly people due to various disasters and COVID-19, increasing use of digital technology during the COVID-19 crisis but its limited or total lack of access to a section of senior citizens were among the issues discussed by participants during the virtual meeting.
Participants said the level of loneliness among senior citizens had further increased at a time when the rest of the world was spending more hours using it.
Higher prices of digital devices relatively in poorer nations, lack of availability for everyone, lack of digital literacy and devices for the aging population and people with different abilities are among the challenges that hinder the advancement of equal access to digital technology for people from all walks of life.
The programme was held with the theme of 'Digital equality for all ages at the initiative of Nepal Participatory Action.
A version of this article appears in the print on October 4, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
