Plan Institucional de Capacitación – PIC

Not only has our society faced different population dynamics (e.g. an ageing population) in recent decades, the environment in which we age has similarly radically changed. Technology is influencing and affecting our daily life. Computers were originally used by trained ‘experts’ to carry out science, engineering and business-focused tasks (Campbell-Kelly et al., 2013). One had to possess programming skills and it was impenetrable to those who did not have these or

did not need to use such computers (Wright and McCarthy, 2010). In recent years, such exclusivity has broken-down with the presence of technology further increased through our daily interactions with smart devices (e.g. tablets, and smartphones) (Preece et al., 2015).

In November 2012, the UK government published the ‘Government Digital Strategy’ (Cabinet Office, 2012). This report outlined the changes and approaches the government was to take in making its services ‘digital by default’ following the idea that “central government where possible must become a digital organisation” (Cabinet Office, 2012:5). Digital by default refers to

“Digital services that are so straightforward and convenient that all those who can use them will choose to do so while those who can’t are not excluded” (Cabinet Office, 2013:11).

However, there would seem to be a gap between this policy rhetoric and the reality for many individuals (or organisation). Around 35 years ago digital access began to move out of high-tech environments and people started to use computers at home (Wandke et al., 2012). Even though computers have become ubiquitous, there is still a gap between younger and older people accessing computers. In its report ‘Digital Britain 2’, the Cabinet Office (2013) reported that overall 83% of the British population is online. Those who go online feel relatively comfortable in doing so with around 90% feeling confident in using the internet (Cabinet Office, 2013).

A difference according to age is visible regarding the number of people being online. Just over 90% of younger people (15-64 years old) and 51% of older (aged 65 years and over) people are online. A similar, but smaller, gap in Britain is seen according to socio-economic class. Just over 90% of people in the higher socio- economic class are online compared to 74% of people in the lower socio-economic

of technology) that is often the subject of discussion when talking about digitalisation (Green and Rossall, 2013). The same can be said about usability of technology amongst certain populations (e.g. older people) (also see Chapter Five).

1.1.4.1 Use of technology for personal reasons

Older people are the fastest growing consumer group of internet users and are keen users (Wagner et al., 2010). For the first time, society has reached a point where the number of older people (aged 65 years and over) who have used the internet has overtaken the number of people who have never used it (Green and Rossall, 2013). When including those who are 55-64 years old (and thus the age group of 55 years and over), the picture has changed even more; twice as many people have used the internet compared to those who have not (Ibid). Older people are using the internet for the same purposes as younger adults do, but carry out different activities to a different extent (e.g. more emphasis on e-mailing than on online gaming) (Green and Rossall, 2013; Wagner et al., 2010). Communication and social support are the two most common reasons for using the internet (Ibid). Older people are reported to use different types of online communication including instant messaging and online fora (Wagner et al., 2010). Immediate benefits of this online environment are perceived as increased contact with family (especially grandchildren) and friends, bridging the geographical boundaries or limited mobility and coping with grief (Wagner et al., 2010). Technology is used for both personal and health goals in older people (Wright and McCarthy, 2010).

1.1.4.2 Use of technology for care purposes

Alongside the personal use of digital devices, the improvements Information Communication Technology (ICT) could bring in health and social care (in particular to the quality of, especially, later life) is acknowledged. The evidence

regarding the use of ICT in care, and especially in later life, is ambiguous. Some studies show an increasing amount of older people using ICT (Wagner et al., 2010; Wandke et al., 2012); others are more reserved (Czaja, 2015). Some commentators perceive older people as a ‘lost cause’ with regard to technology, whilst others note a high awareness of the benefits and importance of ICT, even amongst those who see themselves as ‘digitally dismissive’ (Age Concern and Help the Aged, 2010). ICT can support social networks, transform services to help people live independently at home for longer, empower people and increase their participation (Age Concern and Help the Aged, 2010). However, the benefits of ICT depend largely on how well it is designed.

1.1.4.3 Older people and technology design

Although technology use seems to decline with greater age, this is less so when the technology use is more established and easier to use (Eisma et al., 2004). Since ICT is no longer restricted to ‘expert use’ only (Wright and McCarthy, 2010), one cannot always assume a certain set of skills or knowledge will be present in the user. Regardless of the exact numbers and their variations, it is likely that the use of ICT in daily life, including that of older people, will further increase as it becomes more embedded in our society (Green and Rossall, 2013). It is also expected that technology (e.g. web access devices) will soon be more affordable for older people (Green and Rossall, 2013), which might further increase its accessibility and use. The potential benefits of ICT in care (Age Concern and Help the Aged, 2010) add to the importance of exploring this field. Moreover, the current group of middle aged people are the older-old of tomorrow. This makes digital inclusion, research and design processes in this area a priority. Although many younger and middle aged people are familiar with the use of today’s computers and digital devices, the progressive nature of technological developments makes it unlikely that they remain comfortable with future applications (Wandke et al., 2012). We need to

Without successful ways to do this, the current issues regarding ‘older people’ and ‘technology’ are likely to repeat themselves in the future.