Digital navigators bridge divide for older Australians

As everyday services move online, older Australians are struggling to keep their independence, emphasizing the growing digital divide. In Balingup, a small town in Western Australia with a median age of 58, 72-year-old Wendy Trow assists her 85-year-old sister Marjorie Jones, who has limited experience with computers. Ms Trow takes on the role of a digital navigator, helping her sister access online government services and navigate financial matters, such as when the bank stopped using cheques.

Patricia Sparrow, CEO of the Council on the Ageing Australia, highlights the isolation and embarrassment faced by those who cannot access digital services, leading to feelings of being "stupid" and disconnected from their communities. Ms Jones, a former nurse, admits that computers have made her feel nervous and insecure, as she struggles to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change.

In Balingup, Ms Trow and a small group of volunteers provide in-person support to help older residents navigate digital platforms and avoid scams. Experts stress that digital exclusion is a persistent issue that will not resolve itself as generations shift, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and in-person assistance in communities.