Inclusão Digital e Envelhecimento: uma abordagem centrada no humano e social pelo Design

Abstract

Elderly adults have gained visibility as a result of accelerated growth resulting from increased longevity and decreasing fertility. There is heterogeneity in this target audience related to the presence of possible physical and cognitive limitations, as well as to the context of the Latin American countries that experience great social inequalities. To reduce this inequality, it is necessary to understand the seniors’ needs and interests, to encourage active aging and to contribute to the access to their rights. One of the legal precepts refers to lifelong continuing education. It is worth mentioning that illiteracy is very present among the elderly, a fact that coincides with digital illiteracy, observed in their poor ability with computers. By promoting actions of digital social inclusion, the elderly can acquire knowledge and thus promote their updating with the possibility of remaining at or re-entering the labor market. Digital inclusion also favors the social and family life of the elderly, since it allows the shortening of distances. Understanding this complex scenario is a difficult task, but it can be facilitated by the use of design tools, which are useful for making a diagnosis and thus establishing design guidelines that favor digital inclusion for the elderly. We intend to explore, through a theoretical reflection, the context that involves the digital inclusion of the elderly and their peculiarities. In the end, we hope to point out ways in which design contributes to the well-being and quality of life of these people and present a case to illustrate the successful experience of this relationship.