Golden Years, Digital Fears: A Systematic Review of Cybercrime Victimisation Among the Elderly

Description

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Kamalina Gogoi and Manasvi Pradhan (Department of Psychology, Indraprastha College for Women, UoD, Delhi)

With the rise of digital technology, the elderly are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, leading to significant financial and emotional harm. Despite growing research in this area, gaps remain due to the lack of apparent connections or uniformity between existing studies necessitating a comprehensive synthesis to provide a clearer understanding of the current landscape. This systematic review aims to synthesize the factors contributing to cybercrime victimisation among the elderly and assesses its impacts on victims. It also explores the unmet needs of this demographic, which are frequently overlooked, to inform strategies for prevention. This research was based on a review of 12 papers (n=12), published between 2018 and 2023, using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Semantic Scholar as databases, with Google Scholar as the primary database. The review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. The data gathered was thematically analyzed to identify key themes. Broadly, two types of causal factors of cybercrime victimisation among the elderly were identified- internal and external. Internal factors encompass emotional, cognitive, and behavioural factors. External factors include technological barriers, inadequate support systems, and circumstantial challenges. Two themes- psychological and social – emerged as impacts of such victimization, while three themes emerged as the most basic yet unmet needs that make older adults vulnerable to online threats. These were lack of mental health support, awareness of cybersecurity practices, and the need for adequate support systems. This synthesis of findings underscores the need for integrated approaches to addressing these vulnerabilities, potentially guiding future research and informing the development of more effective prevention and intervention strategies.