PhDIt is predicted that there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 5 by
2050 in developed countries. In recognition of the needs of an ageing population,
there is a growing field of research in HCI focused on engaging older people with
digital technologies.
This thesis contributes to the field of ageing in HCI through a community-based
participatory design investigation into the challenges and opportunities for older
people to engage with digital tools in their everyday lives. We demonstrate how
the commitments, practices and values of participatory design can be used to better
understand and foster engagement between digital tools and older people through
the support of community-based organisations.
This is achieved through two case studies. The rst study with a traditional computer
class at a local day centre. The second with a London-based intergenerational
running club. The research reflects on and examines the details and decisions of the
learning and adoption process across these two studies. We expand our view beyond
the digital tools to the influences and situations that contribute to older people's
attitudes and usage. Through the lens of participatory design and communities of
practice we discuss the considerations of values, problem-solving, and identity that
can potentially be transferred to other non-traditional digital learning environments
for older people. We provide recommendations and reflect on our challenges to serve
as guidance for other researchers engaging in similar participatory work `in-the-wild'
