Understanding perspectives of older adults on the role of technology in the wider context of their social relationships

Abstract

Technological interventions are increasingly popular methods of targeting and preventing loneliness in older adults. Research has identified various factors that influence the willingness and propensity of older adults to integrate technology into their social lives and the ways in which this may enhance their social connectedness. Given prevalence rates and negative outcomes associated with loneliness for this population, further research is warranted to clarify the mechanisms through which technological interventions may decrease loneliness. This study aimed to better understand the perspectives of older adults on the role of technology in their social relationships in later life. Four focus groups were conducted with 27 older adults, aged 65–80 years. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, and results were validated via written participant feedback. Participants reported technology as one of many tools used to maintain their social relationships. Their choice to use technology for social interaction was influenced by their estimation of effort required, likely quality of the interaction, and the privacy and security provided. These factors were the same as those that influenced decisions to use other methods (e.g. face-to-face meetings). Based on the results, we recommend that loneliness interventions should be technology-agnostic and multifaceted, providing a wide range of tools that recognise the technological competencies of older adults and supporting different interaction types to meet the preferences of the individual.

Examining behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in technology-based interventions for enhancing social participation in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia: a scoping review protocol

“…26 There are three leading approaches by which social participation can be improved via technology: improving cognitive functioning to overcome disabilities, [27][28][29] enhancing social interaction 30 and renewing self-competence. 31 However, researchers have withheld from describing how technology-based interventions encourage social participation, incorporating specific theoretical models or theories that guide their development and implementation, 32 with theoretical mechanisms determining the effectiveness of the intervention. 33 In light of the absence of explicit references to theoretical frameworks, a gap exists in our understanding of the underlying principles and mechanisms driving interventions.…”

“…However, researchers have withheld from describing how technology-based interventions encourage social participation, incorporating specific theoretical models or theories that guide their development and implementation, 32 with theoretical mechanisms determining the effectiveness of the intervention. 33 In light of the absence of explicit references to theoretical frameworks, a gap exists in our understanding of the underlying principles and mechanisms driving interventions.…”

Digital Storytelling Intervention for Enhancing the Social Participation of People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Co-Design and Usability Study

“…Community involvement is defined by its significance and the sense of satisfaction it generates in people’s lives as well as its potential for creating social support [ 7 ]. Older adults reported that technology could assist them in maintaining social connections [ 8 ]. For example, researchers used cameras, enabling people with MCI to memorialize their daily lives [ 9 ].…”

“…It is imperative to explore behavior change strategies aimed at fostering a positive social health lifestyle among people with MCI. Technology could be a beneficial tool to maintain social connection [ 8 ]. For example, ElderConnect is a web-based app designed to assist senior citizens in recognizing, preventing, and easing feelings of loneliness.…”

A Study of Online Relationships: A Sociocultural Perspective

“…Yet other generations and groups have not been immune to these changes. For example, a study by Long et al (2022) showed that older adults, 65-80 years old, used a wide range of technologies for maintaining their social relationships. Additionally, there is a noticeable rise in the prevalence of long-distance relationships among couples across various age groups (e.g., Janning et al, 2017).…”