Aging, work and technology: Application driver as a laboral possibility for the 50+ population

Abstract

Introduction: The demographic transition in Brazil has led individuals over 50 years old to remain involved in labor activities for a longer time. Concomitantly, there is the appearance of the "gig" economy, characterized by the provision of services, through online platforms or mobile applications, as in the case of transport applications. Such changes in the work context can bring challenges and experiences, positive and negative to the worker. In this sense, the role of the occupational therapist stands out as the professional who can support older adults and elderly people in the search for and involvement in everyday occupations modified by technology and impacted by crises in the economy. Objective: To analyze the motivation and perception of workers aged 50 or over about working with mobile transport apps. Method: A study with a qualitative, transversal, exploratory, and descriptive approach. Participants were recruited by invitation from social networking groups of mobile transport application workers and by referral. For data collection, a socioeconomic questionnaire and an interview were analyzed using Bardin's Content Analysis. Results: The participants were ten drivers, aged between 50 and 63 years old, in which the main motivation for working with applications was due to be unemployed in the period of the Brazilian economic crisis and found it difficult to gain replacement in the job market due to the preference for young people. The main negative aspect listed by the drivers was insecurity, and as a positive aspect, the flexibility of working hours and the importance of involvement in work activities for the construction of identity. Conclusion: During the changes in the population's age profile and in the ways of working, it is necessary to develop more analyzes on aging, work, and technology aimed at the practice of Occupational Therapy.