Conference Travels: Three Events in Lleida, Spain

In April 2025, Nicole Dalmer traveled to Lleida, Spain, to take part in a series of international conferences and research meetings focused on aging, communication, and technology. Over the course of the week, she contributed to three major events:

• The 1st European Communication Research and Education Association Temporary Working Group on Aging and Communication Studies Conference

• An Aging in Data research meeting

• The 4th European Network of Aging Studies (ENAS) and North American Network of Aging Studies (NANAS) Conference

At the ENAS/NANAS Conference, Dalmer presented “I won’t outgrow tech, tech will outgrow me!”, co-authored with K. Ellison. This presentation explored how young adults imagine technologies that could support aging in place. By highlighting younger generations’ ideas about the future, the work underscored the importance of intergenerational perspectives in designing inclusive technologies.

At the ECREA Aging and Communication Studies Conference, Dalmer presented two additional papers. With C. Biruk, she shared “They think you’re obsolete”: Rethinking technology and aging with older adults in Ontario, which examined how older adults resist and reframe narratives of technological obsolescence. She also presented “Deconstructing aging stereotypes: The role of comics in reimag(in)ing representations of later life”, co-authored with L. Cedeira Serantes, which showed how comics can be a powerful tool for challenging stereotypes and broadening cultural representations of later life.

Together, these events highlighted the value of interdisciplinary scholarship and international collaboration. Dalmer returned from Lleida energized by the conversations, inspired by the creativity of her colleagues, and motivated by the shared commitment to advancing more inclusive, diverse, and thoughtful approaches to aging research.