Technology and Older Adults

[Writer's Name]

[Institution Name]

Technology and Older Adults

Introduction

As users of information technology and communication technology (ICT), older adults have different needs and demands similar to those of other age groups, i.e. require technology useful, functional, easy to handle and meaningful. Your access to this follows the same rules as in other groups, as their purchasing power or capacity management, among others. According to global statistics, most computer users and Internet between 6 and 20 years old and born in the era of telecommunications, on the contrary, users are over 60 minority, however, increasingly more, helping to dispel the Western stereotype to this population as it demonstrates its ability to continue learning and adapting to aging.

Older Adults in the College Classroom Learning

The older adult computer user or the Internet has some different characteristics with respect to users of other population groups, because usually a person who learned its use in a self-taught, have higher annual income, has increased functionality in activities of daily living and a higher educational level and the percentage of male users of this age is greater than that of women. But many of the individuals in this age group do not enjoy the benefits of computing (Stein, 2006).

Adult learners are motivated to learn by internal rather than external factors. Within Web 2.0, adult learners are motivated to participate and take advantage of online activities, primarily due to their busy schedules and the convenience of the online format. Most of their activities take place in an asynchronous environment that allows the learner to view and comment on discussion forums at their leisure (Githens, 2007).

As in other sectors of the population, the computer is a tool that offers tremendous benefits older adults as a means of social interaction and cultural, entertainment, employment and training, among others. There is evidence that there is a negative effect on the use of computers and the Internet in psychological well-being of children, adolescents and young adults that contradict the benefits provided to older adults. Suffice it to say that with these tools regardless of the physical space or time, so older adults can relate to, learn, buy, sell, procedures and carry out other activities despite having a disability that prevents you from movement.

One of the biggest benefits that the uses of the computer provide the elderly is that it helps overcome the fear of loneliness and isolation from their families. In cyberspace increases their ability to interact and personal and social autonomy (Lakin, Mullane and Robinson, 2007). For these reasons, on the Internet have created special spaces for this age group in order to develop interpersonal relationships and contact with their environment. It also promotes intergenerational relations, for the old discover common interests with their younger relatives, allowing them to spend many pleasant moments.

Issues in Technology and Learning

While experiencing the decline of their social and physical mobility loss during aging, many elderly feel they are incapable of learning to use computers and the Internet. Having never been exposed to ...