Older People and Social Participation: From Touch-Screens to Virtual Realities

Since the introduction of the modern internet, computers
have assumed a key role in facilitating communication in
the developed world. However, until recently many older
people have struggled to use ICTs for communication and
social participation. This began to change with the
introduction of mass market touch-screen computers in
2007, and in just under a decade, the touch-screen has
played a major role in addressing some of the technological
barriers faced by older users. To highlight the contribution
that touch-screens have made in encouraging older people
to use ICTs for social participation, this paper presents four
detailed cases from two research projects that used iPads
with older people. The cases highlight the benefits of touchscreens
and the ongoing challenges that prevent some older
people from using the devices to their fullest potential. We
then consider how emerging technologies, such as virtual
and augmented reality, artificial intelligence and virtual
assistants, and social robotics, might begin to meet these
challenges. Our aim is to stimulate discussion as to how
these new technologies might usher in a new wave of social
participation by older people.