The document discusses how modernization theory claims that as technology advances, the role of the elderly in society declines as they are structurally separated and have fewer opportunities. It notes issues facing the aging population like a lack of experience with new technologies, poor understanding of how they work, and negative attitudes towards technology. Some examples provided include elderly struggling with check-in iPads at doctor's offices and more advanced point-of-sale systems. Potential solutions proposed include free classes to help the elderly learn about and use new technologies.

1. Effects of technology on an
aging population
Shanna Macpherson & Rachel Reeds

2.  This presentation will discuss issues that the aging
population faces as technology advances
Overview

3.  Modernization theory claims that the interactions and
positions the elderly hold in society decline as
technology advances (Cowgill and Holmes 1972)
Modernization Theory

4.  This theory claims that the aging population
disengages because they are structurally segregated
from society, they are isolated and they have few
opportunities to take active roles in their
communities.
Activity Theory

5.  No experience using new technologies
 Poor understanding of how technologies work
 Negative attitude towards technology
Issues the aging population faces

6.  In 2011, census showed that there were higher
amounts of people of the aging population (age
45-64) in the workforce than that of people
aged 15-24.
Fact

7.  As new technologies are introduced, the elderly
population is faced with a lack of experience each and
everyday.
 Many Doctor’s and Dentist’s now use iPads
connected to WIFI to check in! Many elderly people
don’t know what an iPad is let alone how to use one.
 These types of technologies can make simple
appointments embaressing and potentially stop the
elderly from returning.
No Experience

8.  The elderly love to help other people. But with a lack
of knowledge on technology it is almost impossible
for them.
 This in turn makes it difficult to maintain a job. Most
stores, restaurants and even medical offices use very
advanced POS systems compared to writing down a
receipt and manually adding taxes as they are
accustomed to.
Poor Understanding

9.  Another example of how technology prohibits the elderly
from living an average life is the amount of technology that
is placed in new vehicles.
 With built in navigation, sirius radio, bluetooth and touch
controls; many elderly would just rather not be in that
vehicle.
 These types of technologies are very distracting and can
be dangerous while used by an inexperienced person (in
this case the elderly) while operating a motor vehicle.
No Experience

10. Technology Usage
Due to lack of
usage, people 65+
lack the experience
needed to perform
simple daily tasks
within the modern
world!

11.  A possible solution would be to offer free of charge
classes for the aging population on how to use new
technologies
 The classes could also go into some detail on how the
technologies work so they could have opportunities
to be more efficient in a workplace setting and within
everyday life!
Solution

12.  Because of the lack of knowledge, many of the aging
population have negative feelings towards
technology!
 They don’t understand it so they become aggravated
and lose interest in learning about it
Attitude

13.  This would tie into the previous solution of having a
class to educate them more about how awesome and
helpful technology can be!
 The aging population is more than often unaware of
features such as google maps and endless app
possibilities for online banking, health tips and so
much more!
Solution

14. Mooney, L. A. (2008). Understanding social problems. Australia ; Canada : Thomson Nelson,
c2008.
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Technology and elderly Jared Wright (2009) Retrieved from
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Technology Fear Stops Older Adults From Logging On Computer - AARP Bulletin. (n.d.).
Retrieved April 6, 2015, from http://www.aarp.org/technology/innovations/info-08-2011/elderly-
fear-of-technology.html
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References