Elderly individuals jab at the kiosk screen in a futile attempt to locate “next.” As Korea’s technology rapidly advances, many seniors feel excluded from a fast-paced, digital world. The crisis magnifies as Korea undergoes a demographic shift: in 2024, the population aged 65 or over surpassed 20%. While the nation leads global innovation, it leaves many of its own people behind. 

Social distancing measures and quarantine protocols in the pandemic era necessitated remote interaction, accelerating digital transformation via platforms such as online delivery services or virtual meetings. 

While these shifts streamlined routines, they also reinforced digital exclusion among the elderly. Unlike younger generations, who grew up immersed in smartphones, kiosks, and delivery apps, most seniors entered adulthood long before such technologies existed. As novel technology such as kiosks demands a baseline level of digital literacy, many seniors accustomed to analog systems struggle to keep pace. 

This growing divide bars older citizens from full societal participation. For example, those unable to navigate a kiosk may struggle to simply order a meal. “The inability to navigate digital platforms not only limits access to essential services but also exacerbates feelings of isolation and anxiety among older citizens,” said Dukwoo Lee, a professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Keimyung University. 

Interventions such as the “Nono(老老) – Care” program fail to address the issue. While the initiative intends to ameliorate psychological resistance and build confidence, few people take advantage of it. Furthermore, the effectiveness lies contingent upon the skills of the instructors. 

Without systematic training, national funding, and professional support, dependence on volunteer-based models will exclude too many seniors. Policymakers and government officials must opt for genuine commitment rather than surface-level solutions. 

Many other countries take steps to help seniors get online. For instance, in the U.S., youth visit seniors’ homes or related facilities and conduct one-on-one digital learning sessions to strengthen digital capabilities. Korea should also foster digital literacy in the elderly to empower seniors to keep their footing in a digital world.

Insufficient and fragmented funding impede further progress. To address this issue, the government must consolidate funding and create a nationwide digital training infrastructure.  Additionally, national programs should provide real-life technical training and mental health support.

Technology should not race ahead recklessly; it must slow down to include the elderly. Younger generations must take time to attend to the excluded and build a society where the elderly feel supported and connected. Only by embracing every generation can we truly achieve a society where technology serves all, not just the few.