Opportunities and challenges for digital inclusion in the Third Age

Abstract

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14244/19827199736

This paper discusses opportunities and challenges that arise with respect to the digital inclusion of the elderly. It is based on a piece of empirical research that investigated a computer course offered by a University of the Third Age. This qualitative study used a combination of data collection methods (participant observation, questionnaires, interviews, focal groups, and documental sources) and content analysis. The group of participants included 23 elderly learners, two lecturers, and a course coordinator. The text suggests that, despite the various structural and organizational shortcomings, the course promotes a basic form of digital inclusion which is of great value to its audience, although limited compared to the possibilities offered by cyberspace and cyberculture.

Keywords: Digital inclusion, Elderly, University of the Third Age.