Technology and the Everyday Life of Older Adults

Abstract

A coincidence of two trends—the current technological revolution and the rapid increase in the size of the U.S. older population—has created an urgent need to consider the characteristics, capacities, and limitations of older adults in relation to new technologies. This article proposes that older adults should be perceived as active users of these technologies rather than as passive recipients. Everyday interactions with technology at work, in the home arena, in medical and health care settings, and on the highway are identified. Characteristics of older adults relevant to these environments are discussed. Both positive and negative potential consequences of technological change for older people are identified.

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