Client : Maria Fojk
It is widely recognised that ICT contributes to improving the quality of everyday life and social participation of Europeans, facilitating access to information, media, content and services. Improving ICT access for the elderly is particularly important. In 2005, only 10% of persons in Europe over 65 years of age used the Internet compared to 68% of those aged between 16 and 24 years. For the remaining 90% of the older population the continued lack of access to the range of services, facilities and supports available through information technology and the Internet reduces life choices and exacerbates efforts to counter exclusion and achieve greater social cohesion. The issue of user motivation is central to the lower usage levels among the older population. For many, ICT has not played a significant part in their formative years in education or the work place. ICT is regarded by many as external to them; something for younger generations. ICT is perceived as an industry; a job skill; a skill with ‘capital value’. It is rarely presented to them or understood by them as a skill with ‘social value’. Indeed most training curricula focus on market oriented skills and certifications. They are in the main task oriented and can result in quite pressurised learning environments. Even the most basic certifications available demand proficiency levels in terms of typing speed, etc. which are in many cases beyond the capacity of an older target group and irrelevant to the ‘social value’ that can be realised by participation in the Information Society.
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