Information and Communication Technology in Active and Healthy Ageing: Exploring Risks from Multi-generation Perspective

ABSTRACT

This study investigates risks associated with using information and communication technology (ICT) in elderly care. A qualitative analysis based on grounded theory has been performed using data gathered from various generations of Polish adults (adult children, their parents, and grandparents). The main risks include deterioration of family relationships, inadequate skills needed for software and equipment operation, and unreliability of solutions. The consequences for various stakeholders, such as potential end-users, caregivers, and organizations, have been discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Active and healthy ageing
• digital inclusion
• elderly care
• information and communication technology
• Poland
• risks

Acknowledgments

An earlier version of this research, entitled “Supporting Active and Healthy Ageing: Challenges for Information and Communication Technology,” has been presented and discussed at the 4th International Conference on ICT Management for Global Competitiveness and Economic Growth in Emerging Economies (ICTM 2016) in Wrocław, Poland.

The abstract of the conference presentation has been published in the conference proceedings: ICTM 2016 Proceedings of the International Conference on ICT Management for Global Competitiveness and Economic Growth in Emerging Economies, Conference Theme: Economic, Cultural and Social Innovations for Human Capital in Transition Economies (November 7, 2016). Available at ictm2016.edukacja.wroc.pl.

The current article includes a development and extension of the issues presented at the ICTM 2016 conference and thus is a significantly expanded version of the abstract published in the proceedings.

Funding

This research has been financed by the funds granted to the Faculty of Management, Cracow University of Economics, Poland, within the subsidy for maintaining research potential.

Additional information

Funding

This research has been financed by the funds granted to the Faculty of Management, Cracow University of Economics, Poland, within the subsidy for maintaining research potential.

Notes on contributors

Ewa Soja

Ewa Soja is assistant professor in the Department of Demography at the Cracow University of Economics, Poland. She holds a PhD in economics from the Cracow University of Economics. She also holds a Master of Science in Mathematics from Jagiellonian University of Cracow, Poland. Her research interests include socioeconomic implications of demographic processes and the labor market in the context of an ageing population. Ewa is also interested in the possibilities of using ICT in the context of the problems associated with an ageing population.