The project is led by Joakim Niklasson as project leader, in collaboration with Professor Johan Sanmartin Berglund and Professor Peter Anderberg. It explores how increasing digitalisation affects older adults’ opportunities to remain active, engaged, and included in society. Based on a large survey conducted in collaboration with pensioners’ organisations, the findings indicate that while many older adults are motivated and capable of staying involved, structural aspects of digital society can make participation more difficult.

The research highlights both barriers and enabling factors related to digital technology, showing how these influence engagement, health, quality of life, and sense of meaning in everyday life.

Importantly, the work challenges deficit-based perspectives on ageing and emphasises older adults as a valuable societal resource with experience, knowledge, and a strong willingness to contribute.

Overall, the project contributes to applied health technology research by advancing understanding of how digital transformation can become more inclusive and better support older adults’ participation in an increasingly digital society