Digital Inclusion as a Fundamental Social Right for Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Policy Interventions and Social Equity

Abstract

Abstract

As global societies move into a ‘longevity era,’ digital inclusion has changed from a technical luxury to a critical need for exercising social, civic, and economic rights. However, the ongoing ‘Grey Digital Divide’ threatens to worsen existing social inequalities among older adults, leading to a ‘triple exclusion’ that marginalizes the most vulnerable. This study aims to assess the current state of digital inclusion for seniors, focusing on equity and social rights. This systematic review looks at significant academic literature from 2022 to 2026 and global policy frameworks. Following PRISMA guidelines, the researcher gathered evidence from 54 peer-reviewed studies across various socio-economic contexts, including Europe, Asia, and North America. The review grouped interventions into three main models: community-based, intergenerational, and state-led infrastructure. Findings show that traditional socio-demographic factors heavily influence digital access. Rural older adults in lower-middle-income countries, such as India, experience extreme exclusion rates of up to 91%, while universal welfare systems in Northern Europe reveal much smaller divides. Intergenerational mentoring and peer-to-peer training stand out as the most effective models for promoting digital literacy. The review concludes that digital inclusion should be seen as a basic social right in the digital age. Policy suggestions emphasise a human-centered approach that focuses on age-sensitive design, subsidised access for disadvantaged individuals, and the inclusion of digital rights in global ageing agendas to ensure a fair transition for everyone in the longevity society.