Abstract

Information technology offers significant opportunities for communication, information, and entertainment. However, mobile and multimedia devices are not accessible to the whole population. Older adults and people with disabilities are the groups that can benefit most from ICT because it is a resource that can provide them with a better quality of life. In 2050 Spain will be the world’s oldest country. However, results suggest that the access to ICT among older people is still low. This study has examined the patterns of use and barriers to access to the internet of people over sixty-five years, with special attention to those who have a disability. Microdata from the Social Integration and Health Survey developed by the National Statistics Institute from Spain (INE) in 2012 have been used. In the first part, an overview of the ageing process in Spain is offered. Also, the concepts of accessibility, universal design, and usability are introduced. Next, this article examines the exclusion from technology issues, mainly the internet, of the Spanish population over sixty-five years. Finally, future challenges in the area of technological accessibility are outlined. Results indicated a low internet penetration in the Spanish elderly population. Computer literacy and economic reasons were the main factors causing the digital gap among the elderly with or without disabilities.