Welcome to the EMPOWrD Research page
This is where you will find overviews of all six of our ongoing research programs, progress updates, publications, and insights derived from our research. Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved in our EMPOWrD research and how you can be a part of shaping a better digital world for older adults.
Explore Our Research Dimensions
Innovative solutions for older adults’ digital inclusion
Information Box Group
Dimension 1: Combatting Misinformation Watch Intro
Explores how digital misinformation affects older adults’ trust, confidence, and well-being online.
Dimension 2: Tech Club for People Living with Dementia Watch Intro
Co-designs a supportive, social “Tech Club” that helps people with dementia and their care partners build digital skills through shared learning.
Dimension 3: Delivery of Mobile Digital Literacy Training Watch Intro
Brings approachable, community-based tech training directly to older adults living in social housing to enhance access, comfort, and confidence.
Dimension 4: Impact of Pain Neuroscience Education Watch Intro
Studies how different ways of teaching about pain can empower older adults to move more confidently and reduce fear.
Dimension 5: Living Laboratory Using Smart Gerontechnology
Turns a residential building into a real-world lab for testing and co-designing smart home technologies that support aging in place.
*COMING SOON*
Meta Dimension: Adaptable Software for an Aging Population Watch Intro
Focuses on creating flexible, inclusive software that adapts to older adults’ diverse needs across all project areas.
Stay Informed on Our Research Progress
Explore our latest publications and ongoing research efforts. Stay connected with our funding acknowledgements and collaboration opportunities.
Discover our published research and insights.
- Detlor, B. (2025). Public Library-Led Digital Literacy Training to Older Adults in Social Housing. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of CAIS Actes Du congrès Annuel De l’ACSI. https://doi.org/10.29173/cais1887
- Abouei, Mahdi; Elgamal, Raghad; Detlor, Brian; and Head, Milena, “Complementing Older Adult Digital Literacy Training Research with a Mobile User Experience Lab” (2025). SIGHCI 2024 Proceedings. 1.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/sighci2024/1 - Elgamal, Raghad and Detlor, Brican, “Addressing the Digital Divide Among Older Adults in Social Housing” (2024). AMCIS 2024 Proceedings. 5.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2024/soc_inclusion/social_inclusion/5
The Enhancing Mobility and Participation for Older Adult Wellness through Digital Inclusion (EMPOWrD) initiative is proudly supported by the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA).
MIRA’s investment has enabled our interdisciplinary team to explore how technology can foster mobility, social participation, and digital inclusion among older adults. Through this support, EMPOWrD brings together researchers, community partners, and older adults themselves to co-design solutions that enhance well-being and inclusion in an increasingly digital world.
Current Research Initiatives
Working Paper - Digital Skills Training and Older Adults: A Scoping Review Read here
This paper reviews a decade of research (2014–2024) on digital literacy training for older adults, analyzing 200 studies on delivery methods, participation factors, and outcomes. Findings stress the need for inclusive, learner-centered, and well-funded programs, noting positive impacts but ongoing gaps in equity, coordination, and sustainability.
Key Research Accomplishments and Insights
Achievements
Our research has made significant strides in enhancing the digital inclusion of older adults. We are committed to bridging the technology gap and improving wellness through innovative approaches.
