RISA Research Seminar- Addressing the Intergenerational Digital Divide in China: Progress, Challenges, and the Need for Inclusive Design and Social Regulations Concluded Successfully
Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) were honoured to have Dr. Lanning Tian, Chairwoman of the Zhongguancun SSIDC Smart Health and Senior Care Industrial Alliance as the speaker of the research seminar titled “Addressing the Intergenerational Digital Divide in China: Progress, Challenges, and the Need for Inclusive Design and Social Regulations”, which took place on December 12, 2024 at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Highlights of the seminar
Dr. Tian shed light on the digital divide in China, a country which had the most rapid ageing rate and largest projected ageing population. She highlighted that amidst digitalization, some older adults may feel unfamiliar, fearful and inadaptable to the rapid social change, leading to challenges in their daily lives. She illustrated that some elderlies struggled to register for the Health Code during COVID-19, thus were unable to take transportation and access health services.
Dr. Tian then stressed the urgent need to eliminate digital divide since it manifested inequality. She added that “bridging the gap brought the economic opportunity of developing digital economy in China”.
Dr. Tian also shared initiatives undertaken by the Chinese government, IT enterprises, the elderly care sector to assist older adults in adapting to digitalization. In addition to these efforts, she underscored the significance of inclusive design in addressing the digital gap, ensuring that individual differences, special needs, and the willingness of elderly individuals to engage with digital technology are considered. Besides, she proposed a redesign of elderly services to be “need-based with diversity and flexibility” which took the evolving landscape of digital technology into account. The seminar concluded with engaging participation and fruitful discussions between Dr. Tian and the attendees.
Reflections on the Situation of Hong Kong
The seminar provided valuable insights applicable to Hong Kong's current situation. Similar to China, the Hong Kong government has initiated programs to enhance the capacities and digital literacy of the elderly population. For instance, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) has initiated the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Outreach Programme for the Elderly since 2014, non-profit organizations are commissioned to conduct outreach and establish service stations to educate the elderly on common apps and address smartphone-related queries.[1] Additionally, the Hong Kong government supports the promotion of gerontechnology to the public by sponsoring the Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit (GIES). RISA and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub proudly participated as exhibitors, showcasing cutting-edge elder care technology and products. In the 2024 Policy Address, the government committed to enhancing the well-being and quality of life of the elderly by backing the development of tailored products and services.[2] We commend these initiatives and advocate for multisectoral efforts to create an elderly-friendly and digitally inclusive society. As put forward by Dr. Tian, the society should cater needs and wills of older citizens.
[1] Labour and Welfare Bureau & Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. Motion on “Stepping Up the Promotion of Gerontechnology to Enhance the Quality of Life of the Silver-haired Group and Tackle Population Ageing” at the Legislative Council Meeting of 24 May 2023. LC Paper No. CB (3)656/2023(01). July 2023. https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr2023/english/counmtg/motion/cm20230524m-nkc-prpt-e.pdf
[2] The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address. October 16, 2024. https://www.policyaddress.gov.hk/2024/public/pdf/policy/policy-full_en.pdf
