19 February 2019
Compared to almost 20 years ago when the Madrid International Plan of Action (MIPPA) 2002 was adopted, technology has advanced at a phenomenal pace. ILC Global Alliance recommends the CSocD to highlight the importance of digital inclusion of older persons and specifically the need for digital training as a major component of lifelong learning for older persons.
Recent data about older persons’ participation in digital technology shows a vast difference among countries. More than 80% of 65 years old and over have access to the Internet in some countries, while the percentage is less than 10% in others. We believe no older persons should be left behind in receiving the benefit of digital technology.
Economists have pointed out strong links between “not being online” and “social and economic disadvantages” such as being in poverty. Nowadays, job openings, social and health care services are accessed via the Internet. What does this mean for the large number of older persons that continue disconnected?
In 2019, 17 years after the MIPAA, the digital technology has become a significantly more important force than in 2002 in influencing a person’s ability to deal with poverty and social isolation. Just imagine a life without email, messaging services and video calls, online banking, shopping and price comparisons portals, social media and dating apps, e-learning and job search pages!
Finally, at the time of “natural and human-made disasters” (such as a Tsunami, fires, hurricanes, and floods), access to digital information can be a key to survival, as it indicates, for example, a shelter to escape to and ways to connect with those who may be affected.
M. Osako, M. Gillis, I. Voelcker and S.K. Hartley contributed to this oral statement.
Healthy Ageing at very old ages
Professor Julie Byles, Head of ILC-Australia presents on ‘Healthy Ageing at very old ages – perspectives of women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, at the 53rd Annual Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) Conference in 2020.
29th January 2021
Silver Starters helps people over 50 on their way to their own company
After a successful first edition in 2019, almost one hundred participants (ranging from 50 to 74 years) started on 14 January 2021 with the free learning program Silver Starters, which was developed by Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing and Aegon. In 12 weeks, the participants will lay the foundation for converting their idea into their own company through online learning and coaching.
15th January 2021
Over 300 stories published on Dutch corona story platform
On the last day of 2020, the 300th story milestone was accomplished and published on Wij & corona (translated into Us & corona). On this Dutch story platform experiences of older people during these trying corona times are shared. With this we give the voice of seniors a stage and support and inspire each other! For example, Willem (71) tells how he tries to stay fit at home and Maarten (77), who is a heart patient and must be extra careful.
1st January 2021
