Proceedings of the 7th World Conference on Research in Social Sciences
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Albanian Elderly Use of Technology
Dr. Eris DHAMO, and Dr. Jonela Canaj
ABSTRACT:
Older people in Albania, who were born in communism isolation and in poorest country in Europe, nowadays face lot challenges, in this digital area. High youth emigration rate, low income from pensions scheme, lot of crises face presently (earthquake and pandemic in 1019) and use of technology in every aspect, make informal and formal education in this area seem crucial. The present study aimed to explore the current possibilities for elderly to learn new skills of innovation and technology, especially to know how to practical knowledge they use in order to complete tasks. Qualitative research methodology was used, with triangulation of its three techniques, document studies, interviews and focus groups, which were carried out in 2023 in three Albanian cities (Tirana, Durres, and Vlora). Results showed that support to use innovative and technology are only made up of family members, but also of friends and neighbors. There isn’t a former education or a public policy targeting technology learning for elderly in Albania. The high use of technology in everyday life and their belief that they cannot learn new skills at this age, especially absence of support from the family, expose them to stress form technology. It seems, thus, necessary to innovate and improve researches in technology education, in particular, on elderly services, also through real formal and informal need integration.
keywords: elderly, technology, lifelong learning, adult training courses