Older adults’ experiences and perceptions of digital technology: (Dis)empowerment, wellbeing, and inclusion

Abstract

As more and more of the business of society is transferred and conducted online, older adults frequently find themselves without the skills to participate effectively. This is frequently confounded by limited physical mobility and a decrease in their social network and contact. This paper examines the lived reality of that process and how digital technology could be used to enhance the life activity of older adults and their wellbeing by increasing their social network. Seventeen older adults (10 female, 7 male Mage = 71.67, SDage = 10.05) participated in two focus groups that each lasted approximately 90 minutes. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis yielded two main themes: Digital technology serving as a tool to disempower and empower. Findings support evidence of a digital divide and how that divide is evolving from the ideographic perspective of digitally-engaged older adults and for society. Discussions also surround barriers to digital technology use for older adults, the codification of digital technology use within society, and how older adults use digital technology in a facilitative and inclusive way to empower themselves and protect them from negative effects of the digital divide.

My Wellness as a Mobile App. Identifying Wellness Types among the Young Elderly

“…older adults with a lower education level are less likely to use different technologies [10] [50]. On the other hand, it has been suggested that digital technology can protect older adults from the digital divide [22].…”

The Benefits of Social Technology Use Among Older Adults Are Mediated by Reduced Loneliness

“…These attitudes focus on the perceived usability and usefulness of social technology to reexamine the perception that older adults are not motivated to learn new technologies or find them too difficult to use. 4 …”

“…[3][4][5] This research paints a bleak picture of older adults-that they lack the ability and motivation to adapt to a changing technological landscape. Many older adults feel anxious and intimidated by the thought of using new technologies or their security.…”

Perception of Older Adults Toward Smartwatch Technology for Assessing Pain and Related Patient-Reported Outcomes: Pilot Study (Preprint)

“…This is particularly true for chronic pain that is often highly variable. (34) They also indicated that a simple interface, technical support, and clear instructions are needed to tackle the technological barriers, consistent with other studies (29,35). App interface customization was also a recurring theme across the focus group discussions, to tailor the app to individual needs and preferences of the users, and to accommodate hearing and visual impairment, further underlining the need for usability and accessibility.…”