AGE DIGITAL DIVIDE AS A FACTOR OF DIGITAL EXCLUSION OF PERSONS OF THE GERONTOLOGICAL CATEGORY OF THE POPULATION IN THE INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Currently, “population aging” is a global trend in the world, which is observed, in particular, in Ukraine, which belongs to the group of 30 countries with the oldest population. The Strategy for Demographic Development of Ukraine for the period until 2040, approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated September 30, 2024 No. 922-p, determines that the aging of the country’s population will continue to progress and necessitates the implementation of relevant policies, because human rights are the basis for the development of any state, which is obliged to take appropriate measures to ensure the possibility of their effective implementation by everyone under its jurisdiction, including persons of the gerontological category of the population. In this context, solving the problem of ensuring the rights of persons of the gerontological category of the population in the conditions of digitalization is of particular importance, which actualizes the need to study the age digital gap as a factor of digital exclusion of the elderly and determine its impact on the implementation of their subjective rights in the information environment. The article systematizes the main causes of the age-related digital divide. Among them: low level of social activity, age and physiological limitations, presence of psychological barriers, systematic updates of electronic service interfaces, absence/deficit of adapted educational resources, limited financial situation, etc. It is determined that the digital divide limits the opportunities of persons of the gerontological category of the population to receive administrative, social, medical, financial services. The results of the study substantiate the legal principles of eliminating the age-related digital divide: guaranteeing digital accessibility and inclusiveness, taking into account the socio-demographic status of citizens and the transition from fragmented initiatives to the formation of a holistic model of social (public-private) partnership.