Social Isolation and Loneliness among Older Adults with the Rise of Technology: Bangladesh Perspective

Abstract

The increase in cases of social isolation and loneliness among the elderly is a topic of concern and often occurs worldwide and in Bangladesh itself, as this trend is affected by such demographic changes as the variety of social bonds within a family unit. The paper is a qualitative piece of research that investigates the relationships between the ageing phenomenon, technology, and social network connectivity through interviews among older adults in rural and urban territories. By analysing the data thematically and decomposing visual data, the study determines the most important issues that lead to people feeling lonely, and assesses the perception and uptake of digital interventions by older people. The results show that though most of the elderly people are willing to interact with technology, physiological concerns and technological barriers curtail effectiveness. Nonetheless, technology has the potential to become a very useful resource in improving well-being and overcoming isolation through focused training, community acceptance, and design. This research paper ends with policy, design, and social framework recommendations that can narrow the digital divide gap and enhance the living standards of senior adults in Bangladesh.