The government IT-plan e-Norway implemented in June 2001 states that the Norwegian government lays the foundations for an information and knowledge society for all. Everyone must be able to participate in the rapid IT developments which are taking place. Systems and services need to be organised so that PCs, ATMs smart cards, the Internet, telephones, smart houses and the like can be used by as many people as possible. The government is committed to carrying out an analysis of those groups that are in danger of being excluded, to developing ICT services for adults, to be offered through libraries, and to examining products/services for the disabled, which could also be of commercial interest to trade and industry. The e-Norway plan is still on the planning stage with actions and working groups. It remains to see what the impact will be on older people.
Older people's needs and requirements for taking part in decision making, participation, independence, self-realisation, care and dignity is to a large degree threatened by ICT development. The Telelaw (23 June 1995) aims to provide services aimed at peoples needs. It was revised in 1999, but no special mention of older people's needs was included. The planned ICT-activities and strategies are not expected to have a large impact in relation to older people, except when they are disabled or in need of care. There is a lack of awareness or discussion on a public level of issues of any kind relating to older people using ICT themselves. There is no specific reference in public policy papers to empower older people.
| listing | back | next |