Ageism in the discourse and practice of designing digital technology for older persons:A scoping review

Background and Objectives Involving older persons in the design process of digital technology (DT) promotes the development of technologies that are appealing, beneficial, and used. However, negative discourse on aging and ageism are potential underlying factors that could influence which and how DTs are designed and how older persons are involved in the design process. This scoping review investigates the explicit and implicit manifestations of ageism in the design process of DT. Research Design and Methods Seven databases were screened for studies reporting on the design of DT with older persons between January 2015 and January 2020. Data regarding study and DT characteristics, discourse about older persons, and their involvement in the design process were extracted, coded, and analyzed using critical discourse analysis. Results Sixty articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Various forms of exclusion of older persons from the design process were identified, such as no or low involvement, upper-age limits, and sample biases toward relatively “active,” healthy and “tech-savvy” older persons. Critical discourse analysis revealed the use of outdated language, stereotypical categorizations, and/or design decisions based on ageism in 71.7% of the studies. Discussion and Implications A discrepancy was found between an “ideal” discourse regarding the involvement of older persons throughout the design process and actual practice. Manifestations of ageism, errors, and biases of designing DT with older persons are discussed. This article calls for more authentic inclusion of older persons and higher awareness toward the implications of ageism in the design process of DT

Associations between everyday ICT usage and (self-)ageism: A systematic literature review

Background and Objectives Both rapid technological changes and (self-)ageism are pervasive challenges of the 21st century, potentially affecting older adults’ everyday functioning, health, and well-being. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize scholarly evidence to determine the associations between everyday information and communication technology (EICT) usage and (self-)ageism as well as potential moderators. Research Design and Methods A systematic search was performed in 8 academic databases, covering the time frame from January 1995 to January 2021. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a total of 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and were involved in the analysis. The standardized National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s quality assessment tools were used for risk bias. Results Several studies demonstrated significant associations between EICT usage and stereotype embodiment (n = 8), stereotype threat (n = 2), and age discrimination (n = 3). Age (group), gender, and motivation were examined as potential moderators. Discussion and Implications This review provides initial evidence on the associations between (self-)ageism and EICT usage. It highlights the importance of positive subjective aging perceptions for active EICT usage in older adults, but also emphasizes the detrimental consequences of ageism in EICT learning settings and technology design on older persons’ willingness and ability to use EICT. Further ecologically valid and methodologically sound research is needed to better understand both the nature and direction of the association between EICT usage and (self-)ageism

Associations between everyday ICT usage and (self-)ageism:A systematic literature review

Background and Objectives Both rapid technological changes and (self-)ageism are pervasive challenges of the 21st century, potentially affecting older adults’ everyday functioning, health, and well-being. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize scholarly evidence to determine the associations between everyday information and communication technology (EICT) usage and (self-)ageism as well as potential moderators. Research Design and Methods A systematic search was performed in 8 academic databases, covering the time frame from January 1995 to January 2021. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a total of 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and were involved in the analysis. The standardized National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s quality assessment tools were used for risk bias. Results Several studies demonstrated significant associations between EICT usage and stereotype embodiment (n = 8), stereotype threat (n = 2), and age discrimination (n = 3). Age (group), gender, and motivation were examined as potential moderators. Discussion and Implications This review provides initial evidence on the associations between (self-)ageism and EICT usage. It highlights the importance of positive subjective aging perceptions for active EICT usage in older adults, but also emphasizes the detrimental consequences of ageism in EICT learning settings and technology design on older persons’ willingness and ability to use EICT. Further ecologically valid and methodologically sound research is needed to better understand both the nature and direction of the association between EICT usage and (self-)ageism

Ageism in the discourse and practice of designing digital technology for older persons: a scoping review

Background and Objectives: Involving older persons in the design process of digital technology (DT) promotes the development of technologies that are appealing, beneficial, and used. However, negative discourse on aging and ageism are potential underlying factors that could influence which and how DTs are designed and how older persons are involved in the design process. This scoping review investigates the explicit and implicit manifestations of ageism in the design process of DT. Research Design and Methods: Seven databases were screened for studies reporting on the design of DT with older persons between January 2015 and January 2020. Data regarding study and DT characteristics, discourse about older persons, and their involvement in the design process were extracted, coded, and analyzed using critical discourse analysis. Results: Sixty articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Various forms of exclusion of older persons from the design process were identified, such as no or low involvement, upper-age limits, and sample biases toward relatively “active,” healthy and “tech-savvy” older persons. Critical discourse analysis revealed the use of outdated language, stereotypical categorizations, and/or design decisions based on ageism in 71.7% of the studies. Discussion and Implications: A discrepancy was found between an “ideal” discourse regarding the involvement of older persons throughout the design process and actual practice. Manifestations of ageism, errors, and biases of designing DT with older persons are discussed. This article calls for more authentic inclusion of older persons and higher awareness toward the implications of ageism in the design process of DT