Uses and perceptions of digital technologies in elderly people. Limitations and benefits for their life quality

Abstract

This article addresses the discussion about the use of digital technologies by older people, what are the limitations and the benefits it entails to improve their quality of life, taking as reference the dimensions of the Schalock and Verdugo model (2009). Based on data from group interviews with elderly people, in-depth interviews with digital literacy teachers and observation of workshops, we discuss how approaches to old age and aging are linked to the propensity to use technologies and their positive influence on the life quality of the elderly. It is concluded that there is a close relationship between the vision on old age and aging that predominates among trainers and the elderly people involved in the processes of using digital technologies. The traditional approach to aging reinforces the barriers that hinder the improvement of life quality of the elderly based on the use of digital technologies.