Elisa's Journey: Technology, Ageing, and the Future of Self-Care
For Elisa Cardamone, her research is deeply personal. Having cared for her grandmothers in a region with limited healthcare resources, she became increasingly aware of the challenges older adults face in managing their own wellbeing. This experience inspired her PhD, where she explores the impact of platformisation on self-care practices in later life. Through co-creation methods, she aims to design more useful and inclusive products and services, contributing to a more sustainable future and a fairer society. Undertaking a PhD has been a journey of growth for Elisa. As she reflects:
“ I left my research ‘comfort zone’ and pushed the boundaries of my project, gaining new skills, meeting researchers from different fields, and experimenting with interdisciplinary approaches. I’m also proud of having juggled the transition between the first and second years of my research—it was a challenge, but a rewarding one. ”
As she progresses, Elisa is most excited about the next stage of her project: “It’s all about data collection! I want to engage with people and hear their stories, experiment with new methods, and see where that takes me.” She also looks forward to attending conferences, submitting long-planned research papers, and developing new collaborations. “One of my favourite aspects of research is the possibility of coming together to frame ideas and devise questions in novel ways—while making new friends from across the globe.”
Throughout her PhD, the Centre for Technomoral Futures has been a place of inspiration and support. “Between seminars, book clubs, and work-in-progress meetings, I have learnt so much and expanded my understanding and curiosity beyond my project,” she says. “Most importantly, I know that at the Centre I can find guidance and advice on applications, papers, and conferences—whether from staff, students, or senior academics. On the side, I’ve met some incredible people that I’m so grateful to be able to see for a coffee or meet around campus!”
We are proud of the research Elisa is undertaking, and the impact she is making in the important field of ageing, healthcare, and technology. Her work exemplifies the Centre’s mission to foster innovative, ethically grounded research that addresses real-world challenges. To learn more about Elisa’s research and the important questions she is exploring, follow her work and connect with our community of researchers shaping a more just and inclusive future.