What about us, seniors? What difficulties do we face using Information and Communication Technology?

In a society marked by rapid demographic ageing and constant technological advances, investing in studies that promote communication and lessen social isolation is justified. This study aims to present the main difficulties seniors face using Information and Communications Technology (ICT), particularly computers; writing and formatting text, accessing the Internet to browse and do research; and using asynchronous and synchronous communication services like email and instant messaging. For conducting this study, partnerships were established with four Private Institutions for Social Solidarity in the municipality of Aveiro, within the scope of the SEDUCE project. The tools used for data collection were two questionnaire surveys and a field journal. The study included the participation of 22 seniors who used ICTs twice a week, in a total of 80 sessions of 90 minutes each. The results suggest that, although seniors experience countless and various difficulties, they are motivated, interested and determined to make the effort of integrating this activity into their daily life.