Title: Digital ageism [#Vellisme]: Ageist stereotypes and the vicious circle of digital exclusion in Spain
Period: September 2024 – December 2025
Funding source: Fundació Bancària “la Caixa”
Project coordinator: Mireia Fernández-Ardèvol
Participants in the project: Mireia Fernández-Ardèvol, Sara Suárez Gonzalo, Francisca Morey Cortès (2025 – 2025)
Summary: The GREY DIGITAL DIVIDE is a most relevant SOCIETAL CHALLENGE. The term refers to the inequality in
access, use, and effective and beneficial utilization of digital technologies among older adults.
Considering the current context of LONGER LIFESPANS, a digitally fair and egalitarian inclusion in later
life should be a priority, as accelerated innovations drive a constantly evolving digital landscape where
falling –or being left– behind results in relevant social exclusion. Amid the sudden, unplanned
digitization triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers already realized the need for active
policies to grant the effective exercise of (digital) citizenship ‘even’ among older adults. Hyperdigitization
is here to stay, and Spain is no exception. For instance, but not only, public transportation prioritizes
mobile and contactless technologies, taxes must be settled online, or the public health sector
increasingly relies on online channels.
Project News and Activities:
– Activity in Macaya, December 2025
– Press release: https://www.uoc.edu/en/news/2025/stereotypes-of-digital-ageism