SIG-III International Cafe Meet: Older adults and emerging technologies

Description

As emerging technologies continue to shape everyday life, older adults are experiencing both new opportunities and real challenges. We’re starting to see that tools like mobile apps, personal intelligent agents, AI, and virtual reality can play an important role in supporting independence and reducing social isolation. At the same time, many older adults face barriers related to AI literacy, accessibility, usability, and privacy, which can shape whether these tools are seen as helpful or not. This topic connects closely with the mission of the ASIS&T SIG-III International Café, which brings together a global community to think about access, inclusion, and information equity. One thing that often comes up in these conversations is that people’s experiences with technology are not the same everywhere. They are shaped by cultural context, language, infrastructure, and other local factors. For older adults, these differences can be even more noticeable, especially across countries where access to digital tools and support systems varies widely. Looking at emerging technologies through an international and intercultural lens helps move us away from a one-size-fits-all approach. It pushes us to think more carefully about how technologies are designed and used in different communities. In this way, the International Café creates a space for sharing perspectives, learning from each other, and exploring how we can make these technologies more inclusive for older adults around the world.