Computer Literacy as a Tool for Social Inclusion of Older People in Modern Society

Abstract

The problem of the social exclusion of the elderly in Russia is partly associated with information divide in relation to the young, but the main reason is early retirement and loss of interest in work and unwillingness to continue to work, and lack of skills which are needed on modern labour market. This article analyzes the results of a study of how computer literacy courses offered by municipal organizations affect the processes of social inclusion of the elderly. The main question is does mastery of computer and internet literacy motivate elderly to continue employment or to search for new forms of employment relevant to their age? The author analyzes interviews with teachers of these courses, who are likely to have “instructions from the government” about the organization of their activities and, at the same time, reflect on their own «contribution» to the implementation of courses and tasks that were/were not set in advance. This research demonstrates that elderly coming to the courses are rarely motivated by professional development or continuation of employment. However, computer and internet use becomes an important and even fashionable practice for the elderly, confirming their “modernity” and relevance for the society.