Ageism is often referred to as the last acceptable form of discrimination. While it often intersects with other forms of discrimination, ageism stands out as it is universal; we all age.
In a recent piece for The Conversation, Stephanie Hatzifilalithis, Postdoctoral Fellow, McMaster Institute for Research on Aging, McMaster University and Nicole Dalmer, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health, Aging and Society, McMaster University, discuss how the implications of ageism when it comes to the development of technology are important. It can greatly affect the outcomes given that when ageism factors into the development of technology, it plays a role in whether these technologies are adopted by older adults.
Consider, too, that ageism is also a factor in how new technologies are developed to start with, and also how they are marketed. The authors point out that while the industry has become more aware of how technologies and platforms can discriminate based on other factors (such as race, class and gender), ageism has largely been overlooked. However, at the same time, artificial intelligence, health-care tech and more are becoming more a part of the lifestyles of the aging population.
For a more in depth look at how older people’s uses of technology are influenced by ageism, self-perception and identity, check out the full article from The Conversation here in the National Post.
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