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.