Abstract

In Kerala, significant portions of the elderly population remain digitally disengaged, limiting their access to essential services, and exacerbating social isolation. This study explores the barriers to digital inclusion among Kerala's elderly through qualitative case studies, highlighting factors such as lack of digital literacy, limited access to user-friendly devices, and security concerns. The analysis reveals the impact of digital disengagement on the social, economic, and mental well-being of the elderly. It proposes targeted interventions, including tailored digital literacy programs, simplified technologies, intergenerational learning, and enhanced security education, to bridge the digital divide and enhance the quality of life for Kerala's elderly.