DIGITAL AGEING
The effect of ageism on the digital experience of older adults
Project Description
Digital Ageing is a research project conducted by the Vrije Universiteit Brussels and the University of Antwerp that unites the perspectives of sociology, communication and media studies, and gerontology. The overarching subject for Digital Ageing is the question of how a good life for older people in the digitalizing society is possible.
While some technical aspects of digital literacy are preconditions for digital inclusion, the focus of this project is the “good life” for older people in a digital society, hence a focus on the digital skills needed to manage everyday errands and activities as well as the online aspects of social life.
The SBO-project Digital Ageing is funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and executed by the research groups TOR, SMIT and BAS of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel as well as CPFH of the University of Antwerp.
Role of SMIT
SMIT focuses on the influence of ageism on the digital experience of older adults. Ageism is discrimination based on age and has been shown to affect older adults in their perception of self in regard to digital skills and in the design of technology.
