The «Digital Divide» Problem and the Sociology of the «Third Age». Resource Potential of the University of the Third Age Portal for Sociological Research

Abstract: 
The article analyzes the digital divide problem and the possibility of overcoming the grey digital divide by eliminating the existing system structural gap of universities of the third age (U3A). The main focus is on factors reducing social deprivation through the use of digital technologies. It is proposed to supplement the existing discourse on active longevity through expert and analytical activities on the digital platform of the University of the Third Age (U3A) portal. The main conclusion is that the expert and analytical platform acts as a center for consolidation and selforganization of stakeholders for the further development of U3A.

The research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation grant no. 22-18-00461 “Delayed aging or late adulthood in Russia: how digital development change the position of elderly in the era of COVID-19 and uncertainty” (https://rscf.ru/project/22-18-00461/).

For citation: Tolstikova I.I. The «Digital Divide» Problem and the Sociology of the «Third Age». Resource Potential of the University of the Third Age Portal for Sociological Research . St. Petersburg Sociology Today. 2023. N. 22. P. 99-110. DOI:10.25990/socinstras.pss-22.rv37-tx81

edn: 
MMQXKP
References: 
  • Babintsev V. P., Nadutkina I. E., Sapryka V. A. Expert community as a subject of civil participation in the region. Vlast’, 2015, vol. 22, no. 7, pp. 5-9. (In Russ.)
  • Varlamova Yu. A. Intergenerational digital divide in Russia. Mir Rossia, 2022, vol. 31, no. 2, pp. 51-74. DOI: 10.17323/1811-038X-2022-31-2-51-74. (In Russ.)
  • Vidyasova L. A., Grigor’yeva I. A. Subject field of active/delayed aging research: results of scientometric analysis and mapping. Vestnik Sankt-Peterburgskogo universiteta. Sotsiologiya, 2023, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 4-26. DOI: 10.21638/spbu12.2023.101. (In Russ.)
  • Gruzdeva M. A. Age factor of the digital divide: edges of inequality. Ekonomicheskiye i sotsial’nyye peremeny: fakty, tendentsii, prognoz, 2022, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 228-241. DOI: 10.15838/esc.2022.4.82.14. (In Russ.)
  • Carragher L., Golding B. Older men as learners: Irish men’s sheds as an intervention. Adult Education Quarterly, 2015, vol. 65, iss. 1, pp. 152-168. DOI: 10.1177/0741713615570894.
  • Formosa M. Four decades of Universities of the Third Age: past, present, future. Ageing & Society, 2014, vol. 34, iss. 1, pp. 42-66. DOI: 10.1017/S0144686X12000797.
  • Formosa M. Universities of the Third Age. In Gu D., Dupre M. (eds.). Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population Aging. Cham, Springer, 2019, pp. 1-6. DOI: 10.1007/978-3- 319-69892-2_412-1.
  • Formosa M. From invisibility to inclusion: Opening the doors for older men at the University of the Third Age in Malta. Gerontology & Geriatrics Education. 2022, 43 (4), pp. 443-445. DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2021.1913413.
  • Locsin R. C., Soriano G. P., Juntasopeepun Ph., Kunaviktikul W., Evangelista L. S. Social transformation and social isolation of older adults: Digital technologies, nursing, healthcare. Collegian, 2021, vol. 28, iss. 5, pp. 551-558. DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2021.01.005.
  • Martinez-Pecino R., Lera M. J., Martinez-Pecino M. Active seniors and mobile phone interaction. Social Behavior and Personality, 2012, vol. 40, no. 5, pp. 875-880. DOI: 10.2224/ sbp.2012.40.5.875.
  • Mason M., Sinclair D., Berry C. Nudge or Compel? Can behavioural economics tackle the digital exclusion of older people? International Longevity Centre UK [website]. 2012. URL: https://ilcuk.org.uk/nudge-or-compel-can-behavioural-economics-tackle-th... (access date: 09.11.2023).
  • Morris A., Goodman J., Brading H. Internet use and non-use: views of older users. Universal Access In the Information Society, 2007, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 43-57. DOI: 10.1007/ s10209-006-0057-5.
  • Riley M. W., Riley J. Jr. Structural lag: past and future. In Riley M. W., Kahn R. L., Foner A. (eds.). Age and structural lag: Society’s failure to provide meaningful opportunities in work, family, and leisure. New York, John Wiley & Sons, 1994, pp. 15-36.
  • Selwyn N. The information aged: a qualitative study of older adults’ use of information and communications technology. Journal of Aging Studies, 2004, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 369-384. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2004.06.008.
  • Slegers K., van Boxtel M. P. J., Jolles J. Effects of computer training and Internet usage on the well-being and quality of life of older adults: a randomized, controlled study. The journals of gerontology. Series Psychological sciences and social sciences, 2008, vol. 63, no. 3, pp. 176-184. DOI: 10.1007/BF03324898.
  • Vaportzis E., Clausen M. G., Gow A. J. Older adults perceptions of technology and barriers to interacting with tablet computers: A focus group study. Frontiers in Psychology, 2017, vol. 8. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01687