Formulação de políticas públicas para a inclusão digital de idosos

Abstract

This Final Course Project, entitled "Formulation of Public Policies for the Digital Inclusion of the Elderly," was developed within the scope of the Specialization Course in Public Management and Regional Development at the Federal Institute of Minas Gerais (IFMG), Ribeirão das Neves Campus. The study aims to analyze how the advancement of digital technologies impacts the elderly population, considering the rapid evolution of devices, systems, and forms of digital interaction, and to investigate how these advancements can occur without promoting the exclusion of this population from daily activities. The research answers the question of how digital inclusion can be expanded among the elderly, proposing alternatives that favor their access to and use of technologies. As a methodology, a survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to participants aged 50 or older, identifying the level of access, use, and difficulties related to digital technologies, especially in banking services and government platforms. The results indicate that, although most participants have internet access, mainly through mobile devices, significant difficulties in using these tools still exist, highlighting dependence on third parties, fear of fraud, and lack of knowledge. It is concluded that the digital inclusion of the elderly population still faces significant challenges, especially those related to ageism, digital insecurity, and the absence of permanent public policies. Therefore, it is necessary to expand educational initiatives and develop more accessible technologies. Limitations of the study include the small number of participants and the use of a questionnaire as the sole data collection instrument. The implementation of public policies aimed at the digital empowerment of the elderly is recommended, as well as future research with greater scope and methodological depth.