Social Relations and Digital Inclusion: Barriers, Facilitators and Impact on the Interactions Among Older Adults in Spain.

Purpose: Accelerated demographic aging, alongside the digital transformation and ongoing development of information and communication technologies (ICTs), presents both challenges and opportunities for the digital inclusion of older adults.

Materials and methods: This qualitative study, conducted in the Community of Madrid, examines the experiences of men and women aged over 65 years in terms of ICT use, focusing on digital skills, intrinsic and extrinsic barriers, and the impact of ageism on their technological literacy.

Results: The findings indicate that although there are benefits to digital connectivity, significant obstacles remain, such as ageism, a lack of sustained community support and inaccessibility in key digital environments.

Discussion: The results align with the two main theories that underpin the article; however, the primary phenomenon that serves as the central focus following an in-depth analysis is ageism, including in its self-inflicted form.

Conclusion: The results highlight the urgent need for policies and interventions that promote digital literacy. The evidence shows that digital inclusion for older adults becomes achievable when tailored training is provided.