Ageing differently: older adults’ perspectives on digital inclusion

Abstract

Older adults are often perceived as vulnerable to digital exclusion, a notion exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the increased reliance on digital technology. This study investigates how older users perceive their own digital inclusion and explores whether they are influenced by stereotypes associated with older individuals and digital technology. Through an analysis of 37 semi-structured interviews with older users in Belgium, this research reveals that older individuals interpret their digital inclusion through a life course lens. Previous education and professional experiences contribute to their current level of digital inclusion. However, participants demonstrate awareness of ageist stereotypes and use them to differentiate themselves from older non-users. Interestingly, while they actively challenge and refute these stereotypes in their own digital engagement, they occasionally unintentionally employ the same stereotypes when describing individuals who do not use EICT.