Idosos em situação de rua ou vulnerabilidade social| facilidades e dificuldades no uso de ferramentas computacionais/Elderlies in street situation or social vulnerability: facilities and difficulties in the use of computational tools/Ancianos en situación de calle o vulnerabilidad social: facilidades y dificultades en el uso de herramientas computacionales

This study aimed to identify the advantages and difficulties encountered by older people living on the streets or social vulnerability, to use the computer or internet. It is an exploratory qualitative research, in which five elderlies, attended on a non-governmental organization located in the city of São Paulo, have participated. The discourses were analyzed by content analysis technique and showed, as facilities, among others, to clarify doubts with the monitors, the stimulus for new discoveries coupled with proactivity and curiosity, and develop new skills. The mentioned difficulties were related to physical or cognitive issues, lack of instructor, and lack of knowledge to interact with the machine. The studies focusing on the elderly population living on the streets or in social vulnerability may contribute with evidence to guide the formulation of public policies to this population.