Background
Access and ability to use everyday technology (ET), such as online-banking, e-health applications, ticket vending machines or remote controls, are vitally important in order to engage and participate in many daily life activities. Yet, research has shown that some older adults and especially older adults with disabilities are disadvantaged in accessing more complex everyday technologies. They use significantly less and show greater difficulties in applying such technologies. One potential explanation for this phenomenon may be deeply rooted and widespread ageist or self-ageist assumptions associated with technology use in older age.
Research aims and methodology
Study 1: Providing a systematic overview of the literature on the prevalence of ageism and self-ageism the context of ET use.
Systematic literature review
Study 2: Investigating potential longitudina l associations between engagement in ET, (self)-ageism and health.
Cross-sectional longitudinal research using secondary data from the German Survey of Aging
Study 3: Assessing both the feasibility and effectiveness of an empowerment intervention in the context of technology use in older age.
Mixed-methods study using an exploratory sequential design
Expected contribution
- Empower older adults in their engagement in meaningful ET;
- Raise awareness of ageism in the context of ET use;
- Status report and policy paper on interventions to reduce ageism.
