Making strides toward digital inclusion together

What needs to happen to ensure that everyone is "digitally fit" and stays that way? That was the central question raised by organizations at a meeting of Ouder Worden 2040 on March 31 in Utrecht. There were also solutions. These will soon have to be worked out with government and private parties.

We live in a society where doing banking or applying for utilities is becoming increasingly expensive and complicated. Internet access is required anyway, and sometimes multiple devices are needed to get into an organization. Not only do many elderly people struggle with this, but also people who are illiterate, have different migration backgrounds, visual or other disabilities, or struggle with poverty, for example. But those who design applications or applications do not always take this into account.

Digitally connected

One of the inclusive solutions is design for all. That's a little different than one size fits all, it became clear on March 31. But who is responsible for that, and who takes care of those who are digitally excluded? And to what extent can they count on the government to do so? These questions are particularly pressing now.

April 10 is the Lower House debate on digital developments in healthcare. And on April 8, 9 and 10, Zorg & ict will take place at Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. There, on April 8, is a meeting of Ouder Worden 2040, focusing on the theme "From individual innovation to digitally connected. During that meeting, Ouder Worden 2040 will speak with patient and elderly associations, trade unions, health insurers, banks, pension funds, scientists, the government, NS and parties such as KPN Health.

At every level

On March 31, some solutions were already offered. Then Alliantie Digitaal Samenleven, Helpdesk Digitale Zorg, SeniorWeb, DigiVitaler, Oefenen.nl, DUIT, Vereniging van Openbare Bibliotheken, Digihandig, Welkom Online, SOM NL and Ouder Worden 2040 engaged in a discussion.

This involved addressing government and private parties at every level. Formulating conditions in tenders is one of the solutions, it turned out. For example, it should be enshrined in law that parties spend a minimum percentage of development costs on support. At the local level, there should always be a responsible alderman for digital inclusion. And one of the most important: citizens should always be able to access government, public transportation or their bank in multiple ways, for example.

Digital journey

The approach to digital inclusion begins with mapping what is on offer. And then keeping this up-to-date. Citizens must have a starting point on the sometimes arduous digital journey, for example through the public libraries that have digital help points that are already widely used.

The building blocks for the movement toward digital inclusion are in place, it became clear during the meeting of Older Becoming 2040. The parties present have enough best practices to present to the world. The main thing now is to deploy them as well and as widely as possible.

Parenting 2040 is participating in Care & ict. On April 8, the meeting From individual innovation to digitally connected will take place. And in a 1-hour guided tour, we will take you through five innovative exhibitors in the field of technology that can contribute to job satisfaction and relieve work pressure. The guided tour takes place daily from 10:00 to 11:00 and from 14:00 to 15:00. Places are limited, register on time at the Parenting 2040 booth (07.E086)