Using information and communication technologies to promote healthy aging in Costa Rica: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Several authors have suggested that ICTs have the potential to promote healthy ageing by supporting social inclusion, access to products and services and learning. However, older people often do not use ICT and information about patterns of usage is scarce. Data from the Costa Rica Census 2011 and two questionnaires showed that older people between 65 and 74 years old, living in urban areas, with more education and higher socioeconomic status are the most active ICT users. They presented a tendency to mobility and connectivity when using ICTs, reported positive perceptions of technology and were favorably disposed to learning about and using ICT. Based on the analysis of data we conclude that opportunities to promote healthy aging through use of ICT include use of public infrastructure and community-based learning services to increase the number of ICT users and facilitate progression from social networking activities to activities supporting the maximization of functional status such as instrumental activities and learning for personal development.