COMPUTER BASED TECHNOLOGY AND CAREGIVING FOR OLDER ADULTS

1. COMPUTER BASED TECHNOLOGY AND CAREGIVING FOR OLDER ADULTS Presentation by Karyne Jones Conley, President & CEO The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.

2. DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS HAVES Technology Skills Awareness of Benefits Perception of Need Income Race Age Education Employment HAVE-NOTS

3. DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Unlimited Potential While computer technology holds unlimited promise for communication, information dissemination, service provision and applications designed to support caregiving, we must be vigilant to insure that the all Americans are able to benefit. The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.

4. DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Historical Challenge The digital divide contributes yet another measure to distinguish the haves and the have-nots in our society. The same groups continue to be excluded. America’s historical challenge of equality has extended to include technology.

5. DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Contributing Factors Income Race/Ethnicity Age Education Employment The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.

6. DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Minority Impact Minority Americans experience a technological gap in their communities and will continue to be disadvantaged in: • Health information and services • Employment • Housing opportunities • Medical/technological advances The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.

7. DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Percentage of U.S. Households Source: Falling through the Net: Toward Digital Inclusion, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, October 2000

8. DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Poor Percentages • Less than 50% of households earning less than $35,000 per year have computers or internet access. • Less than 40% of persons who have not attended college have computers or Internet access. • The over 50 age group has the second lowest Internet access rate.

9. DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Minority Aged The minority aged will face greater challenges because of the present disadvantage of access to technology. The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.

10. Percentage of Individuals 50+ DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Internet Use Source: Falling through the Net: Toward Digital Inclusion, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, October 2000

11. Percentage of Individuals 50-64 DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Internet Access/PC Use Source: Falling through the Net: Toward Digital Inclusion, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, October 2000

12. DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Mitigating Factors • Employment • Intergenerational education • Targeted marketing • Directed resources • Culturally competent educational programming • Changing perceptions • Overcoming fear

13. DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Social Responsibility • Educators, the private and public sectors, caregivers and family members must work together to bring the benefits of technology to the senior population. The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.

14. DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Conclusion The potential for changing the dynamic is as great as it is for the technology. The segments that do not have computers or Internet access represent potential for market expansion. The seniors entering retirement in the future will be increasingly more computer literate as they exit the workforce. The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.

15. DIGITAL DIVIDEFUTURE IMPLICATIONS Conclusion The potential for changing the dynamic is as great as it is for the technology. The segments that do not have computers or Internet access represent potential for market expansion. The seniors entering retirement in the future will be increasingly more computer literate as they exit the workforce. The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.