Invisible and forgotten: digital exclusion of institutionalized elderly in the interior of Portugal

Elizângela Noronha, Carla Ganito*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Digital ageism contributes to the digital exclusion of elderly individuals. Low incomes and loss of financial autonomy is amongst the main factors for digital exclusion amongst the elderly, especially those institutionalized, nevertheless if economic issues can favor access to technology, without the necessary literacy, digital exclusion continues among older people. This paper presents the portrait of institutionalized elderly in the municipality of Covilhã, in the interior of Portugal, mainly made up of women aged 75 and above. We were able to confirm the importance of digital connection for the well-being of this age group that reported interest and enthusiasm for the use of digital devices and social networking site as they crave connection and to keep in touch with family. Albeit this interest there is a lack of access and support that reinforce stereotypes of incompetence. These findings have potential relevance for public policies addressing the needs of institutionalized elderly people.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHuman aspects of IT for the aged population
Subtitle of host publication11th international conference, ITAP 2025, held as part of the 27th HCI international conference, HCII 2025, proceedings
EditorsQin Gao, Jia Zhou
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages189-198
Number of pages10
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9783031927126
ISBN (Print)9783031927140
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2025
Event11th International Conference on Human Aspects of IT for the Aged Population, ITAP 2025, held as part of the 27th HCI International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCII 2025 - Gothenburg, Sweden
Duration: 22 Jun 202527 Jun 2025

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference11th International Conference on Human Aspects of IT for the Aged Population, ITAP 2025, held as part of the 27th HCI International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCII 2025
Country/TerritorySweden
CityGothenburg
Period22/06/2527/06/25

Keywords

  • Digital ageism
  • Digital exclusion
  • Institutionalized elderly
  • Interior of Portugal

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