Digitalization is transforming all stages of life – including later life. But how digitally connected are older adults, and where do barriers remain? A new article by the Media Psychology and Media Design Group at TU Ilmenau, published in merz | medien + erziehung, summarizes the current state of development and research on digital participation in later life.
The article addresses digital generational divides, changing images of aging, and emerging developments such as artificial intelligence, social media, augmented reality, and assistive robotics. While older adults are increasingly engaged with digital media, persistent inequalities remain. The authors outline key implications for media education aimed at strengthening digital sovereignty, participation, and self-determination in later life.
- Döring, N., & Conde, M. (2025). Wie digital ist das Alter? Der aktuelle Entwicklungs- und Forschungsstand [How digital is old age? The current state of development and research]. merz | medien + erziehung, 69(5), 59–66. https://doi.org/10.21240/merz/2025.05.14