The challenge of the digital divide and elderly in Spanish rural areas. The case of Castilla y León.

Abstract

This article includes some reflections about the tandem between new technologies, particularly the Internet, and elderly people living in rural areas. This article combines a qualitative (personal interviews and focus groups) andquantitative methodology (analysis of demographic data), aiming to deep about the relationship between relationshipbetween the digital divide and geographical gap for elderly people living in rural areas in Castilla y León. Results obtained from this research show the existence of structural elements in these rural areas but also symbolic aspects often overlooked, which must take into account when implementing intervention projects. This study confirms theneed to attend to the territory as a variable but also the characteristics of those who have greater difficulties in useand access to ICT, and progress towards equal opportunities.

Keywords

• ambiente rural
• personas mayores
• Tecnologías de la Información y de la Comunicación
• brecha digital
• Internet