ICTs in the Third Age of Life Between Past and Future

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session III
  In Interactive Paper Session: Lifespan Communication Theme Interactive Paper Session

Abstract

The paper will present some research data about uses of the ICTs by the young elderly.
The research project presented is based on an in-depth theoretical study about ageing; asurvey with a representative sample of the Italian “young elderlies” (65-74 years) about ICTs equipment and usage (N=900); a field-work which consists of 20 family interviews in Milan area.
Results show that (1) ICTs and Internet have a significant impact on elderly everyday life and spatio-temporal domestic routines; (2) ICTs and Internet seems to be a good opportunity for a better and active ageing, but even a risk in terms of social isolation inside and outside family.
The relation between the current young elders and the ICTs presents an interesting contradiction: on the one hand, the relation is unique and peculiar; on the other hand it offers a number of interesting clues about the generational mechanisms of domestication to the ICTs.

Authors

• Fausto Colombo, Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

• Piermarco Aroldi, Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

• Simone Carlo, U Cattolica del Sacro Cuore