Online gerontechnological resources analysis for active aging

Abstract

Gerontechnology has become a new field of interest in aging, showing the potential of these new tools to promote the well-being of the elderly and active aging. Although few studies have focused on analyzing the online resources available for this purpose. Here, we identify and analyze the online resources focused on some of the main areas of interest in active aging, according to its main characteristics, as well as aspects of accessibility, use and quality, with special emphasis on those resources aimed specifically at older people. We identified and coded 557 links. These links are focused on 7 dimensions of active aging. Descriptive and multivariate analyses show a lack of online resources aimed specifically at older people, especially in relation to psychosocial and emotional variables. We have found significant limitations of accessibility, use and quality of resources. We conclude on the need for greater involvement institutional, social and scientific to maximize the possibilities offered by the Internet and to overcome the limitations found and that might serve as some of the causes of the generational digital divide existing.