The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Ageing Societies

This study discusses the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in ageing societies. Ageing populations and shrinking of labor force cause unfavorable relationships between the numbers of consumers and producers which, in turn, results in lowering of standard of living of the society. Different measures that might be taken to overcome this process include increasing employees' productivity, increasing labor activity of the elderly people, and fostering the policy of so called active ageing. All these domains can be effectively supported by ICT; however, with respect to the elderly people this process faces a number of challenges. This study investigates the importance of ICT for older people and presents the analysis of barriers and motivations for effective use of ICT by the elderly