Bringing the oldest-old into the digital age: Overcoming challenges of mobility, literacy, and learning

Research output: Book chapter/Published conference paperConference paperpeer-review

Abstract

It has been recognised for some time that while innovations in technology are advancing rapidly, the elderly are increasingly unable to keep up. In particular, those in the oldest-old (people 80 years and over) age-group, many of whom have not been exposed to technology in their home or working lives, are at a disadvantage as daily tasks are increasingly performed electronically. For example, service providers and banks prefer to send bills electronically rather than by the postal service and encourage customers to pay in the same way. There have been attempts to assist older people with training courses aimed at their level of expertise, with varying degrees of success. While these may help the young-old, as people age they become less mobile, and less able to attend such courses. A number of online communities are also specifically targeted at the aged to provide information and support. This paper investigates the training courses and online communities which assist the oldest-old, examining whether these are useful for those in the age group and if not, what might be the alternatives. If we ignore this oldest generation they risk being increasingly isolated.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication13th National Conference of Emerging Researchers in Ageing - Adelaide 2014
Subtitle of host publicationProgram & Proceedings
Place of PublicationVictoria Square, Adelaide, South Australia
PublisherFlinders University, Adelaide
Pages103-105
Number of pages3
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event13th National Conference of Emerging Researchers in Ageing - Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
Duration: 24 Nov 201425 Nov 2014
http://www.era.edu.au/ERA+2014

Conference

Conference13th National Conference of Emerging Researchers in Ageing
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityAdelaide
Period24/11/1425/11/14
Internet address

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