Use of digital communication in the post-covid-19 era: a study on the elderly in Portugal and Spain

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-658

Keywords:

digital communication, elderly, digital inclusion, Portugal, Spain, educational qualification, gender, information and communication technologies

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to analyze the relationship between the elderly and digital technology and communication in Portugal and Spain. It also seeks to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the frequency and mode of communication between the elderly and their children. Methodology: The data used in this research comes from the European Social Survey (ESS) (Round 10: 2020-2022), including a representative sample of the elderly population in Portugal (574 respondents) and Spain (474 respondents). Results: In both countries, men tend to show greater familiarity with digital resources compared to women. There is also a positive correlation between the level of education and familiarity with technology. Discussion: The identified trends can be explained by cultural and structural factors that influence access to and education in technology among genders. Education emerges as a crucial factor in digital inclusion, highlighting its importance in promoting digital skills. Conclusions: The study reinforces the need for strategies to mitigate fears and concerns through digital education and awareness campaigns that emphasize the safety and benefits of information and communication technologies.

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Author Biography

António Calha, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre

António Calha es profesor adjunto en el Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre. Es licenciado en Sociología por la Facultad de Economía de la Universidad de Coimbra (1998) y Doctor en Sociología por el Instituto de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad de Lisboa (2016). Es Coordinador del Curso Técnico Profesional Superior en Intervención Social y Comunitaria y Vicecoordinador del Departamento de Ciencias Sociales, Territorio y Desarrollo de la Facultad de Educación y Ciencias Sociales. Actualmente es investigador integrado del CARE: Centro de Investigación en Salud y Ciencias Sociales. Ha realizado investigaciones en las áreas de educación, salud y envejecimiento y ha publicado diversos artículos en revistas de primera línea, indexadas en las principales bases de datos bibliográficas. Colabora regularmente con diversas revistas internacionales como revisor científico.

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Published

2024-11-28

How to Cite

Calha, A. (2024). Use of digital communication in the post-covid-19 era: a study on the elderly in Portugal and Spain. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-658

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Section

Humanism and Social Sciences