Abstract
Civil-society organizations are important for older people, but the digital transformation at all levels of society has changed how such organizations operate (Kolotouchkina et al, 2023). The COVID-19 pandemic has also emphasized the challenges faced by these organizations around digital engagement and inclusion (Roles et al, 2022; Twigg, 2020). However, despite this shift, little attention has been paid to the multi-level digital barriers which communities of older people face. As such, this study probes the possible role which digital technologies can play in supporting or constraining membership-based grassroots organizations in their work. The research draws on data from one study with a leading older adult organization in Ireland -Active Retirement Ireland- and its regional network organizations (Active Retirement Associations (ARAs). This study utilized a multi-level, mixed-method, interdisciplinary research design which included a systematic review, a survey (n=464), in-depth interviews with older people (n=40), and three multi-stakeholder participatory translation forums. Study findings show that there are interconnected and cross-scalar transformations facing ARAs, which hinder collective citizenship, and digital literacy and use. Grassroots organizations and their members appear to be unsupported in digital transitions, intensifying other challenges around a lack of engagement opportunities, or for expressing voice. This study also found that there are multi-level opportunities for ARA to target specific outcomes around engagement and membership. Therefore, these findings show it is imperative to assess the relevance of these organizations for changing populations and societal challenges, as well as an intensity of support needed to address ongoing multi-level digital transformations.
Presenters
Brídín CarrollPost-doctoral Researcher, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, University of Galway, Ireland
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Policy and Public Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Grassroots organizations, Digital transformation, Engagement, Social inclusion, Social exclusion, Multi-level
