The Collision of Trends: Accelerated Digitalization vs. Aging Populations
January 16, 2025
Two major trends are unfolding simultaneously that leave me wondering how they will interact with one another. On one hand, we have the rapid acceleration of digitalization. Technology is evolving at a breakneck pace, requiring people to adapt, learn, and change continuously. On the other hand, we are experiencing the accelerated aging of our population, with an increasing number of seniors facing age-related cognitive challenges.
It is well-documented that the ability to learn and adapt decreases as we age. For instance, consider the ongoing frustrations with passwords. Managing passwords has become a complex and burdensome task for many, and it is only becoming more difficult as the digital landscape grows more intricate. Adding to this challenge is the rise in age-related “brain diseases,” as I will call them, which are expected to become more prevalent as populations continue to age.
I find it hard to imagine a future where technology excludes seniors. That would be a societal failure. Instead, I expect—or rather, hope—that technology will evolve to accommodate the realities of an aging population. Yet, as of now, I have not seen substantial evidence of this happening.
This disconnect highlights the difference between Society 4.0 and Society 5.0. The former focuses on technological advancement and digital innovation, while the latter emphasizes a more inclusive, human-centered approach that integrates technology seamlessly into people’s lives, regardless of their age or cognitive ability.
The question remains: will technology rise to the challenge of aging populations, or will it deepen the digital divide? Only time will tell, but the answer will shape the future of society as we know it.
Miguel Goede
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