| Sumario: | ISSUE Technology has massive potential to improve the lives of older adults across a variety of liv-ing domains, yet technology use and adoption tend to lag among older adults relative to younger cohorts, especially among the oldest-old. This is a pattern that can be observed throughout the world. As a result, many older adults do not reap the many benefits of newer technologies. CONTENT Our symposium is designed to bring together international speakers to present an overview of these issues in four countries to highlight: 1) commonalities of these problems across culture; 2) unique differences; and 3) ways in which technology can improve the lives of older adults when barriers to use and adoption are overcome. STRUCTURE Schloman first examines the relationship between ICT use and well-being in the oldest-old in Germany, finding a positive influence. Next, Prevodnik and colleagues examine the perceived benefits of telemonitoring systems for the ageing population in Slovenia, as a function of system acceptability and usability. Finally, Boot presents a broad overview of issues of technology use and adoption among older adults in the U.S., with specific recommendations for how barriers can be overcome, and a focus on newly emerging technologies including virtual reality and artificial intelligence. CONCLUSION The digital divide and the causes and consequences of this divide are consistent in different countries and living domains, and across a variety of technology solutions. However, the potential of technology to benefit individuals can be realized by older adults when technology and technology training account for the unique needs, preferences, abilities, and attitudes of older adults.
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