ABSTRACT

Older adults’ relationship to information and communications technology (ICT) is often discussed in terms of the digital divide or technology gap. Older persons, those 65 years of age and older, are seen as excluded or marginally represented in the digital sphere, even though data show their use of technology is increasing. Challenges in technology adoption and models for improving digital inclusion are both well-known, but the COVID pandemic and its general shift to digital life have created a critical need to increase digital inclusion of older persons. A case study of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and the organization’s migration from in-person to virtual programming is used as an example of reframing the way the relationship of older adults to technology is seen in the field and in practice. Policy and programming implications of this new view of technology are discussed in the conclusion.

摘要

老年人与信息和通信技术 (ICT) 的关系经常从数字鸿沟或技术差距的角度进行讨论。65 岁及以上的老年人在数字领域被视为被排除在外或处于边缘地位，尽管数据显示他们对技术的使用正在增加。技术采用的挑战和改善数字包容性的模式都是众所周知的，但 COVID 大流行及其向数字生活的普遍转变产生了提高老年人数字包容性的迫切需求。老年人技术服务 (OATS) 和该组织从面对面编程到虚拟编程的案例研究被用作重新构建老年人与技术关系在现场和实践中的方式的示例。