The Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at the University of Galway has released their findings from the Virtual EngAge study on digital technology, ageing and engaging in society. This major research project was completed over a number of years in conjunction with Trinity College Dublin and in collaboration with Active Retirement Ireland, and is focused on ensuring a just and equitable digital transition for all older people and their grassroots organisations.
The study examined the potential of everyday digital technologies, such as phones and tablets, to help support retirement association groups, their members and other older people to enhance their social connections, information communication and their capacity to advocate on matters that are important to them. In doing so, this study wanted to help ensure that the digital changes that are happening are fair and effective to older people.
The research findings make it clear that the right supports must be put in place to help older people overcome challenges around digitisation if we are to ensure digital changes are effective and fair and do not disrupt older people’s right to participate and benefit fully from their society — regardless of whether they use digital technology or not.