Digital Migration and Social Inclusion of Senior Citizens

Abstract

We now live in a digitally saturated environment. The notions of displacement apply also in the digital realm, especially with regard to senior citizens. Researching the usage of digital media by senior citizens is of relevance, as an unequal access and competencies related to digital media remains a problem of their social inclusion in a digitalized world. Anchored on the Uses and Gratifications Theory, this study sets to investigate the usage, mode of usage and what influences the usage ofInformation and Communication Technologies/digital media among seniors. Survey method was used with questionnaire as the instrument for data collection to sample 300 senior citizens in Asaba and Calabar, cities in theSouth-South geo-political zone of Nigeria. The study found that although access to the digital media has increased among the senior citizens, usage gap is still clearly visible as most seniors do not play active roles in digital activities. It is recommended that there should be community support for digital literacy of the older adults so that digital society would be all inclusive, not having these most vulnerable citizens excluded from digital activities and involvement.