The Impact of Technology on the Aged in Zambian Society

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VIII, Issue V, May 2021 | ISSN 2321–2705

The Impact of Technology on the Aged in Zambian Society

E. Choongo, N. Hamooya, E. Mbewe, I.Mwiinga, F. Ngoma – Moono
University of Zambia

Abstract: The study sought to investigate the impact of technology on the aged in the Zambian society.
The objectives of the study were to,establish what kind of technology is being used by the aged. To determine how technology has affected the aged. To determine how the aged cope with the ever changing technology. To assess what the aged feel are the best solutions to solve the problem of technology
This was a case study that used an interview guide to collect data. The sample included 12aged people at the divine providence home in Chawama Lusaka district.
The major findings of the study were that most of the aged were not aware of the new kinds of technology around because they had been isolated from the Zambian society when it came to technology and that the only kinds of technology they were aware of were telephones, radios and televisions. Therefore, the remedy would be that the government should formulate policies that aim at integrating the aged and having them imparted with some basic technological knowledge, to enable them move at the same pace with everyone else in this fast growing world. As well as educating the entire society around them on how best to integrate them in this technological world.

Keywords: Technology, Aged, Society , Impact

I. INTRODUCTION

One of the most important features about the aged in Zambia is the rapid increase in the absolute number of the elderly population from the age of 60 years and above in rural and urban areas. In 1990 there were 216, 196 aged people in the country. Almost 1 in every 25 people was aged. Recent demographic projections indicate that the number was expected to increase to 290, 168 in the year 2010; 598,687 in 2030; 1045, 247 in 2040 and 1, 452, 706 in the year 2050 (Kamwengo, 2001: 24).
Social isolation and the feelings of loneliness are common problems for older people living in Zambia today. Recent research documents shows a worrying trend that many who work with older people have observed for themselves. Fear of being alone is a major source of anxiety as people grow old. Some older people go for days without seeing another person; many die alone, 16% of older people in deprived rural areas suffer severe loneliness. Certain traditional groups are particularly vulnerable. Isolation and loneliness can damage both mental and physical health in older people (Hutto and Bell 2014). The immediate causes of social isolation are varied and depend on individual circumstances.

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