"Based on 16-month ethnographic fieldwork in Shanghai, Ageing with Smartphones in Urban China tackles the intersection between the ‘two revolutions’ experienced by the older generation in Shanghai: the contemporary smartphone-based digital revolution and the earlier communist revolutions. We fin
...
d that we can only explain the smartphone revolution if we first appreciate the long-term consequences of these people’s experiences during the communist revolutions. The context of this book is a wide range of dramatic social transformations in China, from the Cultural Revolution to the individualism and Confucianism in Digital China. Supported by detailed ethnographic material, the observations and analyses provide a panoramic view of the social landscape of contemporary China, including topics such as the digital and everyday life, ageing and healthcare, intergenerational relations and family development, community building and grassroots organizations, collective memories and political attitudes among ordinary Chinese people." (Publisher description).
more
"Ageing with Smartphones in Uganda is based on a 16-month ethnography about experiences of ageing in a neighbourhood in a diverse neighbourhood in Kampala, Uganda. It examines the impact of smartphones and mobile phones on older people’s health and everyday lives as part of the global 'Anthropolog
...
y of Smartphones and Smart Ageing' project. In taking the lens of the smartphone to understand experiences of ageing in this context, the monograph presents the articulation and practice of ‘togetherness in the dotcom age’. Taking a ‘convivial’ approach, which celebrates multiple ways of knowing about social life, Charlotte Hawkins draws from these expressions about cooperative morality and modernity to consider the everyday mitigation of profound social change. ‘Dotcom’ is understood to encompass everything from the influence of social media to urban migration and lifestyles in the city, to shifts in ways of knowing and relating. At the same time, dotcom tools such as mobile phones and smartphones facilitate elder care through, for example, regular mobile money remittances. This book explores how dotcom relates to older people’s health, in particular their care norms, social standing, values of respect and relatedness, and intergenerational relationships – both political and personal. It also re-frames the youth-centricity of research on the city and work, new media and technology, politics and service provision in Uganda. Through ethnographic consideration of everyday life and self-formation in this context, the monograph seeks to contribute to an ever-incomplete understanding of how we relate to each other and to the world around us." (Publisher description).
more
"Based on 16 months of ethnographic fieldwork, Ageing with Smartphones in Urban Chile analyses the experience of ageing for Peruvian migrants aged around 60, who have lived in Chile for over 20 years. Their lives are informed by a series of experiences of being in between. They live between two coun
...
tries, two generations (their Peruvian parents and their Chilean children), two different stages in life (retained youth and menacing old age), between giving care (to their parents) and not wanting care (from their children) and between a continuing legacy (through their children, who have a promising future) and not transmitting legacy (some traditions will not pass on to the next generation). Peruvian migration has been one of the most studied in Chile. However, neither the experience of ageing of migrants in Chile nor the experience of late middle age has been fully addressed yet. By focusing on the entanglement of ageing, migration and technology, this monograph is an ethnographic contribution to an unexplored subject in the vast literature on migration studies in Chile." (Publisher description).
more
"This anthology contributes to creating awareness on how digital ageism operates in relation to the widely spread symbolic representations of old and young age around digital technologies, the (lack of) representation of diverse older individuals in the design, development, and marketing of digital
...
technologies and in the actual algorithms and datasets that constitute them. It also shows how individuals and institutions deal with digital ageism in everyday life. In the past decades, digital technologies permeated most aspects of everyday life. With a focus on how age is represented and experienced in relation to digital technologies leading to digital ageism, digitalisation's reinforcement of spirals of exclusion and loss of autonomy of some collectives is explored, when it could be natural for a great part of society and represent a sort of improvement." (Publisher description)
more
"With people living longer all over the world, ageing has been framed as a socio-economic problem. In Brazil, older people are expected to remain healthy and autonomous while actively participating in society. Based on ethnographic research in São Paulo, Ageing with Smartphones in Urban Brazil show
...
s how older people in a middle-class neighbourhood conciliate these expectations with the freedom and pleasures reserved for the Third Age. Work is what bonds this community together, providing a sense of dignity and citizenship." (Publisher description).
more
"Die Generation der ab 60-Jährigen weist eine sehr heterogene Mediennutzung auf. Höchste Alltagsrelevanz besitzt das lineare Fernsehen. Während ein Großteil der Senioren regelmäßig online ist, zählt rund jeder Fünfte zu den Offlinern. Es zeigen sich starke Zusammenhänge zwischen soziodemogr
...
afischen Merkmalen und medialer Teilhabe." (Kurz und kanpp, Seite 389)
more
"O presente estudo dialoga com lideranças e com grupos que se encontram na base das organizações sociais: os militantes e ativistas . A inclusão de ativistas e militantes na investigação, como ocorreu na 1ª Etapa da Pesquisa, em 2021, permitiu olhar os dois lados dos processos de representati
...
vidade, mobilização e atuação no mundo digital. Pensar representatividade e inclusão digital à luz da democracia implica a procura constante de um olhar atento no sentido de incluir populações fragilizadas. Grupos que geralmente não são escutados nem contemplados em projetos, mesmo nos movimentos sociais. Nesta 2ª. etapa da pesquisa, acompanhamos lideranças de entidades com representação nacional, ligadas à Central Única dos Trabalhadores (CUT) mas também dedicamos a atenção a ativistas, militantes e lideranças entre a população 60 anos ou mais e a população LGBTQIA+. A escolha ocorreu porque na primeira fase do estudo, em 2021, a população 60 anos ou mais e a população LGBTQIA apareceram como os públicos mais esquecidos na hora de realizar projetos, segundo as respostas das lideranças de movimentos sociais." (Página 9)
more
"This edited collection explores the role of digital inclusion in the welfare and social inclusion of vulnerable people. With interdisciplinary contributors from six continents, working in diverse fields such as digital media studies, social computing, community informatics and cultural studies, the
...
collection brings together theoretical and applied research evidence on three vulnerable population categories: ethnic minorities, older people and people with disabilities. Each section is accompanied by a critical commentary on the research insights presented, from third sector community and policy experts. The collection explores whether vulnerable populations face similar experiences and challenges in relation to their digital inclusion status, stressing the central presence of intersectionality, and arguing for the inclusion of the age, ethnicity/immigration status and disability aspects of one's identity. At the same time, it argues for multi-directional action that tackles intersectional discrimination in the digital realm on behalf of more than one single population category or group. Challenging popular discourse on the overcoming of digital inequalities in the West, this essential book contends that accounts of non-western contexts do not focus on the parameter of vulnerability or on particular population groups." (Publisher description)
more
"Ageing in a digital world – from vulnerable to valuable" is the first- ever report to be produced by ITU to raise awareness in the ICT sector on the importance of being prepared to respond to the needs and requirements of ageing populations. This is essential to fulfil our pledge to ‘’leave n
...
o one behind’’, as we strive to meet our goals in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ICTs have a fundamental role in creating environments that are suitable to promote healthy conditions and tackle the challenges that come with ageing by empowering older generations. ICTs can become enablers for the social inclusion of older persons, if products and services are designed while taking into consideration their needs and requirements. The report aims to help ITU members and other stakeholders understand these digital opportunities and take advantage of new possibilities for economic, social and political growth from increased digital inclusion and age-friendly digital environments. It highlights trends, identifies good practices and possible solutions, and presents concrete guidelines that can leverage the contributions of older generations, reduce their vulnerability and foster socio-economic development to achieve healthier and wealthier inclusive societies. It focuses on the role that ICTs can play in ensuring digitally inclusive communities in which older persons are active participants." (Foreword)
more
"Die SIM-Studie stellt einen grundlegenden Situationsbericht zum Medienumgang Älterer in Deutschland mit einem speziellen Fokus auf digitale Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien dar. Hierfür wurde im Zeitraum vom 22. März bis 31. Mai 2021 eine repräsentative Stichprobe von 3000 Personen
...
ab 60 Jahren telefonisch befragt. Zunächst zeigen die Ergebnisse der SIM-Studie 2021, dass Seniorinnen und Senioren in Deutschland durchaus über ein reichhaltiges (Geräte)-Repertoire zur Mediennutzung verfügen: In allen Haushalten ist ein Fernsehgerät vorhanden, auch ein Radiogerät gehört bei fast allen (91 %) zur Grundausstattung. 83 Prozent haben einen Internetanschluss, 78 Prozent W-LAN. Im Besitz eines Computers sind drei Viertel der Haushalte (77 %). Ein Smartphone ist bei 72 Prozent vorhanden und auch ein Tablet ist in fast der Hälfte der Haushalte verfügbar (48%). Die Ausstattung spiegelt sich auch in der Nutzung wieder: 94 Prozent der befragten Personen sehen jeden oder fast jeden Tag fern. Auch das Smartphone wird von 63 Prozent der Personen ab 60 Jahren täglich genutzt, von zwei Fünfteln sogar mehrmals täglich (41 %). Jeder Zweite nutzt täglich einen Computer (51 %). Knapp jeder Dritte ein Tablet (30 %). Angesichts der hohen Zahlen beim Gerätebesitz und deren Nutzung verwundert es nicht, dass für einen Großteil der Befragten auch die Internetnutzung mittlerweile zum Medienalltag dazugehört: 81 Prozent geben an, "zumindest selten" online zu sein. Allerdings ist ein Alterseffekt erkennbar: Sind es bei den 60- bis 69-Jährigen 92 Prozent, zählen sich bei den über 80-Jährigen nur 51 Prozent zu den Onlinerinnen und Onlinern. Auch das Geschlecht (Männer sind häufiger online als Frauen) und der formale Bildungsgrad (Befragte mit Abitur/ Studium sind häufiger online als mit Haupt-/ Volksschulabschluss) spielen u.a. eine Rolle. Auch konkrete Online-Aktivitäten wurden im Rahmen der SIM-Studie 2021 untersucht. Bei der Frage, was die befragten Onlinerinnen und Onliner im Internet machen, kristallisieren sich vor allem vier Tätigkeiten heraus: Knapp zwei Drittel nutzen täglich WhatsApp oder vergleichbare Dienste (64 %), etwa jede/-r Zweite informiert sich zu aktuellen Themen/Nachrichten im Internet (53 %) oder nutzt Suchmaschinen (50%), über E-Mail kommunizieren 42 Prozent jeden oder fast jeden Tag. Kommunikation und Information/Recherche scheinen also wichtige Motive zur Nutzung des Internets durch Ältere darzustellen. Bei der genaueren Betrachtung des Informationsverhaltens zeigen die Ergebnisse außerdem: Das Thema ist entscheidend für die Wahl des Mediums. Steht bei der Information über "Aktuelles aus der Welt" oder das "Thema Corona" das Fernsehen bei 61 bzw. 49 Prozent der Befragten als Quelle an erster Stelle, punktet die Tageszeitung bei der Information über "Regionales" (52 %). Zur Beantworung "konkreter Problemstellungen" (43 %), Informationen zu "neuen Produkten" (40 %) oder "Gesundheit und Pflege" (26 %) wird vor allem das Internet herangezogen." (https://www.lfk.de/forschung/mediennutzungsstudien/sim-studie-2021)
more
"The aim of this study was to advance understanding of how to foster media literacy among older people. A systematic review was conducted of 40 empirical studies published between January 2005 and April 2019. The literature review provided information and practical implications for researchers, desi
...
gners, and providers of media-literacy education for older people. Based on the review, it can be concluded that interventions aimed at fostering media literacy in older people need further development and creative enrichment in terms of aims, content, providers, recipients, and pedagogical approaches." (Abstract)
more
"The Expert Commission for the Eighth Government Report on Older People has identified the digital technologies relevant to several areas of life, singled out emerging new developments and assessed how such developments are having an impact on life in old age. The publication summarises the Commissi
...
on’s findings and recommendations." (Publisher description)
more
"The ICT User Typology categorizes older adults’ ICT use into one of five user types, each of which has a unique pattern of ICT introduction, use, display, and meaning they ascribe to technologies: The Enthusiast user type thinks ICTs and other forms of technology are great fun toys. They have won
...
derful memories of using ICTs as children, including being encouraged by adults to “tinker” and “play” with technology [...] The Practicalist user type views ICTs as tools that are used to get a job done, for a specific purpose. They are typically exposed to ICTs in their work and they tend to hold jobs in which technology is heavily used [...] The Socializer user type tends to have large intergenerational networks and be highly involved in their communities, often through religious organizations and/or large families. They view ICTs as connectors between people and tend to prefer mobile communication technology [...] The Traditionalist user type also speaks about their love for ICTs. However, the technologies that Traditionalists love are the ones from their young adulthood (in the case of the older adults spoken about in this book, the television, radio, and telephone) [...] The Guardian user type tends to view all ICTs with suspicion, as they believe that technology can bring out the negative traits in individuals - traits such as gluttony and laziness. While they use many modern forms of advanced ICTs, they tend to be very cautious and regulated in how and how much they use them." (Page 3)
more
"The volume examines the risks and opportunities of a digital society characterized by the increasing importance of knowledge and by the incessant rise and pervasiveness of information and communication technologies (ICTs). At a global level, the pivotal role of ICTs has made it necessary to rethink
...
ways to avoid forms of digital exclusion or digital discrimination. This edited collection comprises of chapters written by respected scholars from a variety of countries, and brings together new scholarship addressing what the process of digital inclusion means for individuals and places in the countries analyzed. Each country has its own strategy to guarantee that people can access and enjoy the benefits of the information society. While this book does not presume to map all the countries in the world, it does shed light into these strategies, underlining what each country is doing in order to reduce digital inequalities and to guarantee that socially disadvantaged people (in terms of disabilities, availability of resources, age, geographic location, lack of education, or ethnicity) are digitally included." (Publisher description)
more
"This paper reports the result of a systematic literature review in the field of social media and the elderly. Our study included 36 research papers, selected after an iterative process. Elders are the fastest growing population around the world and any effort oriented to improve their quality of li
...
fe is important. Our findings show that there is currently no predominant research approach to address this field of study. Samples were generally small and questionnaires were the most common method of data collection. Many of the research efforts are focused on aspects of design, the interaction of the elderly with social media and how it affects their lives. An interesting aspect we found was an informal approach to report results. Many papers do not define social media and an important number do not indicate the research approach nor the number of participants. Another difficulty is to clearly define who is an older adult." (Conclusion, page 77)
more
"This volume examines the lived experiences of Africans and their interaction with different kinds of media: old and new, state and private, elite and popular, global and national, material and virtual. By offering a comparative, critical and largely qualitative account of audiences and users across
...
a range of national contexts in different regions of Africa, the book examines media through the voices and perspectives of those engaging with it rather than reducing audiences and users to numbers and statistics, ready to be exploited as potential target markets or as political constituencies. The critical, qualitative research perspective adopted in this book enables us to gain a better understanding of how African viewers, listeners and users make sense of a range of media forms; what role these play in their everyday lives and what audience and user engagement can tell us about how citizens perceive the state, how they imagine themselves in the wider world and how they relate to each other. The book argues that the experiences of audiences and engagements of users with a range of media—newspapers, radio, television, magazines, internet, mobile phones, social media—are always grounded in particular contexts, worldviews and knowledge systems of life and wisdom: ‘It is akin to the tortoise. The tortoise never leaves its shell behind. It carries it wherever it goes’ (Chivaura 2006: 221). African media audiences and users carry their contexts and cultural repertoires in the same way a tortoise carries its shell. Thus far, the bulk of academic research on media and communication in Africa has addressed the policy and regulatory aspects as well as the relation between media institutions and the state (Willems 2014a). While studies on media, democratization and press freedom are invaluable, the ways in which ordinary people make sense of, and relate to, media in their everyday lives are largely left beyond consideration. As Barber (1997: 357) has pointed out, ‘[w]hat has not yet been sufficiently explored is the possibility that specific African audiences have distinctive, conventional modes and styles of making meaning, just as performers/speakers do. We need to ask how audiences do their work of interpretation’." (Page 4)
more