On 1 October, the Global Ageing Network joined with aged care members to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (IDOP). The theme for this year is “Digital Equity for All Ages” highlighting the need for access and connection virtually for older persons. Women and older persons experience digital inequity to a greater extent than other groups in society, according to the UN’s International Telecommunications Union. They either lack access to technologies or are often not benefitting fully from the opportunities provided by technological progress.

In his article in The Province, Dan Levitt states that “One of the most challenging aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the physical and social distancing that made pre-pandemic isolation, exclusion and loneliness even worse for older persons. A significant improvement in the lives of older persons would be to eliminate age discrimination in the use of technology. Digital equity is all about a collective effort to democratize technology, and achieving it is a shared responsibility that includes friends and family.”

The Global Ageing Network joined the webinar to engage with aged care stakeholders in a dialogue to adopt a person centered, human rights approach to ensure digital equity including adequate policies, access, digital literacy, and safety for individuals of all ages.

To access additional resources about strategies to combat ageism and participate in a series of events on ageism, visit the World Health Organization’s Global Campaign to Combat Ageism.