Navigating the Digital Divide in Aging Society: Barriers for Chinese Senior Immigrants in Canada

• In Event: The digital divide and migrants’ access to education

Proposal

The global aging population faces a significant digital divide, despite the potential of technology to enhance independence and improve quality of life. Senior adults, including Chinese senior immigrants in Canada, encounter substantial challenges in using the internet, smartphone applications, and other digital technologies (Zhu & Zhang, 2019). As the population of individuals aged 60 and above continues to grow due to advancements in healthcare, improved social conditions, and enhanced financial status (Levy et al., 2015; Marangunić & Granić, 2015), it is critical to address these challenges. Many older adults remain entrenched in the digital divide, despite the increasing necessity of technology in everyday life (Pirhonen et al., 2020).
Research shows that older adults experience stress, confusion, and frustration when interacting with digital technologies, often due to declining visual, auditory, and cognitive abilities (Chalghoumi et al., 2022). Security, privacy, and trust issues further exacerbate these barriers (Alfalah, 2019). Lower computer and internet usage among the elderly highlights the need for updated research, particularly concerning disparities in access to digital information between developing and developed countries (Chalghoumi et al., 2022; Lund & Maurya, 2022).
This study focuses on the digital divide faced by Chinese senior immigrants in Vancouver, with the specific goal of understanding the key factors contributing to this divide and identifying challenges and barriers unique to this population. It aims to explore the role of language barriers, cultural differences, and limited digital literacy, while seeking to develop educational programs that address these issues and promote greater digital inclusion. Three key factors will be identified in this study. They are: 1). What are the key factors contributing to the digital divide among Chinese senior immigrants in Canada? 2). What specific challenges and barriers do Chinese senior immigrants face in accessing and using digital technologies, and how do these impact their daily lives and social inclusion? 3). How could educational programs be designed to improve digital literacy and address the cultural and linguistic challenges faced by Chinese senior immigrants in Canada?
This study employs Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) (Engeström, 1987, 1999, 2001) to explore the digital divide experienced by Chinese senior immigrants in Canada. CHAT provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how cultural and historical contexts shape individuals' interactions with technology. By focusing on the components of the activity system—subjects, mediational tools, object, rules, community, division of labor, and outcomes—this framework allows for an in-depth analysis of how Chinese senior immigrants engage with digital tools. Additionally, the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) (Vygotsky, 1978; Lapkin, Swain, & Psyllakis, 2010) will be utilized to assess the learning and development potential of these individuals within their current capabilities and the support needed to advance their digital skills. Through semi-structured in-depth interviews, the study will uncover the cultural, psychological, and sociological mediators affecting technology use, such as language barriers, cultural norms, and community practices. By examining these elements, the research aims to provide insights into the unique challenges faced by Chinese senior immigrants and propose culturally sensitive educational programs that address these challenges, ultimately promoting digital inclusion and enhancing their well-being.
Methodologically, this study will employ a qualitative research design using semi-structured in-depth interviews to investigate the digital divide experienced by Chinese senior immigrants in Canada in relation to their use of digital and mobile applications. The methodology is designed to provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by this demographic and to identify culturally sensitive solutions.
This project underscores the urgent need to bridge the digital divide among Chinese senior immigrants, particularly as this population continues to grow. While technology can significantly enhance independence, many older adults remain excluded from the digital world. The study’s findings will inform targeted strategies and policies designed to improve digital literacy and access, ensuring a more inclusive digital landscape for older adults.

Authors

• Qiuhan Ji

• Ruohan Chen

• Bingbing Li

• Youmiao Li

• Yidan Zhu, Texas State University