Preventing the Social Exclusion of Seniors Through New Technologies – Development Perspectives for the Silver Economy in Poland

Older adults represent one of the social groups which is most vulnerable to social exclusion. Therefore, it is essential to explore strategies aimed at preventing the loss of contact with loved ones and mitigating feelings of alienation. The objective of the study, part of which is presented in this paper, was to identify the most significant losses resulting from crisis situations, as well as those associated with the natural passage of time. These issues were examined in the context of the potential role of new technologies in addressing such challenges. The research was conducted using a survey questionnaire, primarily distributed among representatives of Generation Z. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. The findings suggest that, in certain cases, technology may mitigate the effects of time-related changes. This was particularly evident in the context of losing contact with individuals outside one’s immediate social circle - an outcome perceived by respondents as one of the more likely consequences of aging. Furthermore, participants indicated that, from their perspective, the use of modern technologies may substantially alleviate the sense of social isolation experienced by older adults.