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.
Innovative solutions for older adults’ digital inclusion
Explores how digital misinformation affects older adults’ trust, confidence, and well-being online.
Co-designs a supportive, social “Tech Club” that helps people with dementia and their care partners build digital skills through shared learning.
Brings approachable, community-based tech training directly to older adults living in social housing to enhance access, comfort, and confidence.
Studies how different ways of teaching about pain can empower older adults to move more confidently and reduce fear.
Turns a residential building into a real-world lab for testing and co-designing smart home technologies that support aging in place.
*COMING SOON*
Focuses on creating flexible, inclusive software that adapts to older adults’ diverse needs across all project areas.
Explore our latest publications and ongoing research efforts. Stay connected with our funding acknowledgements and collaboration opportunities.
Discover our published research and insights.
Invited Talks
Oral Presentations
Poster Presentations
Elgamal, R., & Detlor, B. (2024, August 15–17). Addressing the digital divide among older adults in social housing. Emergent research paper presented at the Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS), Salt Lake City, UT, United States. https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2024/soc_inclusion/social_inclusion/5/
Abouei, M., Elgamal, R., Detlor, B., & Head, M. (2024, December 15). Complementing older adult digital literacy training research with a mobile user experience lab. In Proceedings of the Twenty-Third Annual Pre-ICIS Workshop on HCI Research in MIS, Bangkok, Thailand.
Safaei, B., & Head, M. (2024, August). Navigating the digital frontier: AI and coping mechanisms for enhancing misinformation resilience in older adults. Proceedings of the Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS) 2024.
El Shamy, N., Hassanein, K., & Head, M. (2024, June). Recruitment and EDI challenges in NeuroIS research: A case for mobile research infrastructure. Proceedings of the NeuroIS Retreat 2024, Vienna, Austria.
Head, M. (2024, May). EMPOWrD – Enhancing mobility and participation for older adult wellness through digital inclusion. MIRA / World Health Organization (WHO) Meeting.
Head, M. (2024, November). EMPOWrD – Enhancing mobility and participation for older adult wellness through digital inclusion. MIRA & Labarge Knowledge Exchange.
Head, M. (2025, August). Enhancing Mobility and Participation for Older Adult Wellness through Digital Inclusion (EMPOWrD). U21 Health Sciences Group 2025 Annual Meeting, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
Head, M. (2025, March). Lost in the interface: Why we fail older users and how to fix it. Psychology LIVE Talk Series, Hamilton, Ontario.
Head, M. (2025, September). Neurophysiological insights: A case study on digital inclusion of older adults. Digital Futures Symposium, Burlington, Ontario.
White, P. J., & Patocs, A. (2025, August 25). Design Health and Aging Interdisciplinary Masterclass. Student and Doctoral Forum, U21 Health Sciences Group 2025 Annual Meeting—Aging Across the Lifespan, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. https://u21health.org/mcmaster2025
Detlor, B. (2024, October 10). MIRA Dixon Hall Knowledge Synthesis Grant [Invited panel speaker]. New Research and Collaborations Panel, MIRA & Labarge Knowledge Exchange, Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario.
Munawar, M. (2024, October 10). The promotion and sustainability of digital literacy skills for marginalized older adults [Poster presentation]. MIRA & Labarge Knowledge Exchange, Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario.
Elgamal, R. (2024, October 10). Addressing the digital divide among older adults in social housing [Poster presentation]. MIRA & Labarge Knowledge Exchange, Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario.
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.
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.
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.
Information Matters ➚
Impact