Ubiquitous Information for Seniors' Life (UISEL)

Life expectancy is growing, forming an equally growing need to fully integrate senior citizens in the knowledge and information society where ICT tools play a crucial role. Current exclusion of seniors due to technological illiteracy prevents this growing group from fully exercising their rights, but also prevents the society from benefitting from the ast experience, life-wisdom and know-how of senior citizens. Moreover, with the advent of mobile devices (smartphones and tablets), this problem was aggravated further as more and more information, communication and formal duties were being designed and processed in that context. Info-exclusion in adult citizens aged 50 and above relates partially to some reluctance towards change and, particularly, towards new technologies, but also to the lack of attention given to the specific needs of this target group. This, however, need not be the case. Difficulties experienced by this generation in accessing and using the new ICT tools should not be the excuse for generating inequality and increasing the risk of exclusion. It is necessary to raise awareness and to train the operators that work with senior citizens towards the benefits of using mobile devices. A different approach is needed to ensure that senior citizens know how to use such devices efficiently whether for their personal or societal needs. The aim of this project is to improve the content and quality of training courses for teachers and staff that work with senior citizens regarding the benefits of new technologies and focusing on the use of mobile devices, for instance in regard to fiscal obligations, social security issues, emergency situations, medical monitoring, preventing isolation and even leisure and time occupation.