Third Age Living and Computer Technologies in Old Age Learning Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

Introduction

This essay gives an analysis of factors which have contributed to the successful achievement of the Third Age by certain countries as a life phase for their populations. The second segment of the essay synthesizes computer technologies that can be helpful to older adults’ learning.

Successful countries in achieving the Third Age

Under normal circumstances, it is believed that life is divided into phases which people have to through from the time they are born. The occurrence of these stages appears to differ from one community to another based on a wide spectrum of factors.

As a result, the onset of the higher phases in life i.e. third and fourth varies from country to country. For instance, it is believed that the Third Age of life begins at the onset of retirement among Britons.

While this is true in some cases, there has to be a clear distinction between retirement age and the onset of this age in an individual’s life (Laslett, 1987). It therefore follows that different countries around the world have been successful in achieving the Third Age as a life phase for their populations.

One of these countries is the Great Britain which has arguably been considered successful in achieving this phase of life for its people. This has been attributed to countless factors going beyond demographic and economic factors.

Good health and appositive attitude towards ones lifespan is equally essential in allowing people to see and experience the Third Age of life. Although the Third Age appeared during the 1950s in Britain, its establishment began in 1980s, a trend that was witnessed in other Western countries like Italy, Japan, USA, Iceland, Australia and Scandinavia and other developed countries (Laslett, 1987).

What are the major factors that have allowed this to happen?

These countries have been successful in achieving the Third Age as a life phase for their populations as enhanced by several factors. Some of these factors include good nutrition, equitable distribution of resources, good social services and safe working conditions (Laslett, 1987).

High life expectancy has therefore contributed to most developed countries to successfully achieve this age for their population. It is important to acknowledge the fact that some historical events have also contributed to the success of these countries.

A good example is industrialization which played a pivotal role in promoting the living standards of different populations. A country like England experienced modernization long before the onset of industrialization. Such trends have played a role in allowing inhabitants to achieve the Third Age.

High national wealth has also contributed with these countries being able to have sufficient resources for aged and coming generations (Laslett, 1987). From a general perspective, Third Age Living has been achieved in the above mentioned countries as a result of intertwined factors ranging from social, political and economical.

Describe four computer technologies that can be helpful to older adults’ learning

Advancement in computer technology has significantly transformed the lives of both young and older generations. Of importance is the manner in which information is shared with a lot of ease from one person to the other.

At the click of the mouse, one is able to access a wide range of information from any destination around the world. Businesses, relationships and education have all benefited from this technology which continues to transform countless lives around the world (Kim, 2008). These technologies have found momentous applications in learning institutions especially for the elderly.

For instance, the internet is one the computer technology that has tremendously enhanced learning among elderly people. It allows constant connection and flow of information through emails and social networks as witnessed today.

Old people also find it necessary for shopping and search for important information by using Google and Yahoo among other search engines (Kim, 2008). Screen magnification software is also important in learning institutions for elderly people and those with impaired eye sight.

It allows increasing of font sizes to allow learners to read without difficulty. Additionally, Synthetic Voice Output helps people with hearing problem. The last technology is the use of Braille Translators and Embossers. These allow blind people to learn computers and use them in their daily lives.

Explain briefly how each one of these could be used to enhance learning for older adults

These computer technologies have a major role in enhancing learning among ageing people. As mentioned above, the internet has arguably become the most used communication tool around the world with both young and old people appreciating its significance.

From shopping to entertainment, old people have come to value the internet with most of them finding it paramount in their daily lives (Kim, 2008). Since internet augments communication, it can equally enhance learning among old people.

Through the internet, instructors can share learning materials through emails and monitor their performance while at home. The internet also allows learners to contact their instructors as long as they are both connected.

On the other hand, Screen Magnification Software allows the display of information on monitors in various font sizes and colors to alleviate vision loss.

This allows learners with limited vision to see and interpret information displayed on the screen. Synthetic Voice Output is a screen reading program which interprets text into audio speech for people with low vision (Kim, 2008).

It can be helpful among aged computer learners experiencing eye problems. Lastly, Braille Translators and Embossers enable blind learners and tutors to use computers with the help of fingertips. It can be essential among elderly computer learners that are Braille proficient.

Conclusion

In general there are several factors which have enhanced the achievement of the Third Age in certain countries around the world.

These factors are intertwined and include social, political and economical. On the other hand, computer technology plays a mega role in learning programs among ageing people. Through the integration of certain technologies, old people find it easier to learn computer skills.

References

Kim, Y. (2008). Reviewing and critiquing computer learning and usage among older adults. Educational Gerontology, 34, 709–735.

Laslett, P. (1987). The emergence of the third age. Ageing and Society, 7, 133-160.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2019, March 28). Third Age Living and Computer Technologies in Old Age Learning. https://ivypanda.com/essays/third-age-living-and-computer-technologies-in-old-age-learning/

Work Cited

"Third Age Living and Computer Technologies in Old Age Learning." IvyPanda, 28 Mar. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/third-age-living-and-computer-technologies-in-old-age-learning/.

References

IvyPanda. (2019) 'Third Age Living and Computer Technologies in Old Age Learning'. 28 March.

References

IvyPanda. 2019. "Third Age Living and Computer Technologies in Old Age Learning." March 28, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/third-age-living-and-computer-technologies-in-old-age-learning/.

1. IvyPanda. "Third Age Living and Computer Technologies in Old Age Learning." March 28, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/third-age-living-and-computer-technologies-in-old-age-learning/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Third Age Living and Computer Technologies in Old Age Learning." March 28, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/third-age-living-and-computer-technologies-in-old-age-learning/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1