Keys to active ageing: new communication technologies and lifelong learning

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the creation and implementation of an ICT education program for the elderly in various Active Participation Centers in Almería (Spain), assessing its impact on quality of life. From a randomized sample of 200 individuals over the age of 55. Results reveal a high degree of participant satisfaction (76.6 %), as well as improvements in quality of life as compared to the control group after the 3 month program health factor: p = 0.004; leisure and activity factor: p = 0.001; Satisfaction with Life Factor: p < 0.001. The analysis conducted to determine the influence of age and gender on quality of life indicates that there are statistically significant differences in regards to age (the younger groups had higher scores) and gender (the males). This study may serve to facilitate similar works that promotes on-going education in different locations and across the lifespan.

A review of research on the relationship between learning and health for older adults

“…Fernández-Ballesteros et al (2012) found that three years of university studies improved the elderly participants' memories and learning performances, while the control group without any university studies declined. In two articles, instrumental values were related to new technologies (Díaz-López et al, 2016;Shapira et al, 2007). Díaz-López et al (2016) explained the educational context and stated that '[t]he main objective was for the elderly participants to acquire new skills and abilities in order to optimise their digital competence, improving their emotional state and offering them more autonomy' (p. 3).…”

“…In two articles, instrumental values were related to new technologies (Díaz-López et al, 2016;Shapira et al, 2007). Díaz-López et al (2016) explained the educational context and stated that '[t]he main objective was for the elderly participants to acquire new skills and abilities in order to optimise their digital competence, improving their emotional state and offering them more autonomy' (p. 3). Some of the articles emphasising instrumental values also mentioned the physical gains of learning.…”

Active Aging, Older Age and Technology

“…Díaz-López ve ark.nın çalışmasında, yaşlı bireylere iletişim ve bilgi teknolojileri ile ilgili 3 ay süreyle eğitim verilmiş ve eğitim sonunda bireylerin yaşam kalitesini (özellikle sağlık, boş zaman ve aktivite, yaşamdan zevk alma alanlarında) artırdığı görülmüştür. 33 Bu nedenle aktif yaşlanma için yaşlı bireylerin yeni teknolojiler konusunda bilgilendirilmesi, genç nesil ile yaşlı nesil arasında dayanışmanın artırılması ve eğitimin sürekliliğinin sağlanması gerekmektedir.…”

The Working Environment as a Platform for the Promotion of Active Aging: An Italian Overview

“…In Spain, Active Participation Centers have been set up to provide learning sessions on the use of everyday electronic devices for older workers. The results of this case-control study on 200 workers have shown that increasing the knowledge of older workers for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) improves the overall quality of life and relationships with younger colleagues [24]. Guell et al focused on promoting physical activity as the prevention of early retirement from work.…”