Mindfulness as an Opportunity to Narrow the Grey Digital Divide

Abstract

With older adults living longer than ever before, more in this age demographic are seeking ways to stay engaged, happy, and healthy in the final decades of life following retirement. In this chapter, we discuss the many ways in which older adults can benefit from learning new technologies, including enjoying more functional independence, social connection, and cognitive engagement. We also discuss the barriers that prevent older adults from learning new technologies, including physical ailment and disability, skepticism over the benefits, and stereotype threat. Finally, we introduce the concept of Langerian mindfulness and how learning to be mindful as opposed to mindless can help older adults over these barriers.