Digital ageism [#Vellisme]: Ageist stereotypes and the vicious circle of digital exclusion in Spain

Funder: Fundació Bancària "la Caixa"

Call: Convocatòria Flash per donar suport a projectes de recerca sobre l’impacte social de les vides longeves (FS24-1B) (Fundació Bancària "la Caixa")

Of Regional scope.

"The GREY DIGITAL DIVIDE is a most relevant SOCIETAL CHALLENGE. The term refers to the inequality in access, use, and effective and beneficial utilization of digital technologies among older adults. Considering the current context of LONGER LIFESPANS, a digitally fair and egalitarian inclusion in later life should be a priority, as accelerated innovations drive a constantly evolving digital landscape where falling –or being left– behind results in relevant social exclusion. Amid the sudden, unplanned digitization triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers already realized the need for active policies to grant the effective exercise of (digital) citizenship 'even' among older adults. Hyperdigitization is here to stay, and Spain is no exception. For instance, but not only, public transportation prioritizes mobile and contactless technologies, taxes must be settled online, or the public health sector increasingly relies on online channels."