scholarly journals “He Explained It to Me and I Also Did It Myself”: How Older Adults Get Support with Their Technology Uses

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 237802311988786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Hunsaker ◽  
Minh Hao Nguyen ◽  
Jaelle Fuchs ◽  
Teodora Djukaric ◽  
Larissa Hugentobler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Adult Children ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Heterogeneous Group ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Technology Support ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Wide Availability

Given that older adults constitute a highly heterogeneous group that engages with digital media in varying ways, there is likely to be large variation in technology support needs, something heretofore unaddressed in the literature. Drawing on in-depth qualitative interviews with a multinational sample of older adults, the authors explore the support needs of older adults for using digital media, including their perceptions of whether the support they receive meets their needs. Participants obtained assistance from both informal (e.g., adult children) and formal (e.g., computer classes) sources. However, the support given can lack immediacy, leaving older adults dependent on others’ availability to provide it. Educational approaches that emphasize individualized support and wide availability might allow an improved experience for a population that is increasingly online with an interest in a wide range of activities.

scholarly journals “HE EXPLAINED IT TO ME AND I ALSO DID IT MYSELF”: HOW OLDER ADULTS GET HELP WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S866-S866
Author(s):  
Amanda E Hunsaker ◽  
Minh Hao Nguyen ◽  
Jaelle Fuchs ◽  
Teodora Djukaric ◽  
Larissa Hugentobler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Technology Support ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Coding Schemes ◽  
Great Ease ◽  
Open Coding

Abstract Older adults comprise a highly heterogeneous group that engages with digital media in varying ways, therefore a large variation in technology support needs is likely. This study examines the nature of support for using digital media among older adults. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with older adults (age 59+) in Hungary, the Netherlands, and Switzerland (N=58) in 2019 exploring: (1) whether and how older adults receive support in using digital media; and (2) older adults’ perceptions of whether the support they receive meets their needs. We began with open coding, then conducted consensus meetings to identify themes and coding schemes, and wrote memos to share findings and ensure reliability across coders. We find that older adults voice a highly varying range of need for technical support as well as varying instances of both receiving and not receiving technical help. Participants report receiving help from different informal (e.g. spouses) and formal (e.g. computer classes) sources. However, support may not be immediate, posing challenges for older adults who depend on the availability of their support sources. Importantly, we also find that there are older adults who are quite self-sufficient in the ways they use digital technology. For older adults needing support, greater access to community-based support may help those without satisfactory options in their own social circle. Given our findings that older adults can have great ease with solving technology-related problems, peer-driven support networks where older adults can offer support to others may be an effective approach to providing digital technology guidance.

Technology support challenges and recommendations for adapting an evidence-based exercise program for virtual delivery to older adults: Mixed-methods study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Gell ◽  
Elise Hoffman ◽  
Kushang Patel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Technology Support ◽  
Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Technology Orientation ◽  
Exercise Classes

BACKGROUND Tele-exercise has emerged as a way for older adults to participate in group exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, little is known about the technology support needs of older adults for accessing tele-exercise. OBJECTIVE Examine the interests and needs of older adults for transition to tele-exercise, 2) Identify barriers and facilitators of tele-exercise uptake and continued participation, and 3) Describe technology support challenges and successes encountered among older adults beginning tele-exercise. METHODS We used an exploratory sequential mixed method study design. Participants were older adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (n=44) who started participating in remotely delivered Enhance Fitness. Prior to the start of classes, a subsample of participants (n=10) completed semi-structured phone interviews about technology support needs and barriers and facilitators for technology adoption. All participants completed surveys including the PROMIS-57, the Senior Technology Acceptance Model scale, and a technology needs assessment. The study team recorded technology challenges encountered when participants engaged in tele-exercise classes and attendance rates. RESULTS Four themes emerged from the interviews: Participants desire features in a tele-exercise program that foster accountability; importance of direct access to helpful people who can troubleshoot and provide guidance with technology; opportunities to participate in high value activities motivates willingness to persevere through technology concerns; and belief in the ability to learn new things supersedes technology-related anxiety. Among participants in the tele-exercise classes (mean age 74.0 years ± 6.3; 86.4% female; mean of 2.5 ± 0.9 chronic conditions), 70.5% had a computer with a webcam, but 40.9% had little or no experience with videoconferencing. Initial technology orientation sessions lasted, on average, 19.3 (±10.3) minutes and 23.9% required a follow-up assistance call. During the first two weeks of tele-exercise, 47.6% required technical assistance which decreased to 11.9% for weeks 3-16. Median attendance was 100% for the first six sessions and 93% for the subsequent 42 sessions. CONCLUSIONS With appropriate support, older adults can successfully participate in tele-exercise. Recommendations include individualized technology orientation sessions, experiential learning, and availability of stand-by technical assistance, particularly during the first two weeks of classes. Continued development of best practices in this area may allow previously hard-to reach populations of older adults to participate in health-enhancing, evidence-based exercise programs. CLINICALTRIAL NCT04099394

Dividing the Grey Divide: Deconstructing Myths About Older Adults’ Online Activities, Skills, and Attitudes

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (9) ◽  
pp. 1207-1228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anabel Quan-Haase ◽  
Carly Williams ◽  
Maria Kicevski ◽  
Isioma Elueze ◽  
Barry Wellman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Skill Levels ◽  
Online Engagement ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Online Activities ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Negative Sense

Although research has demonstrated a grey divide where older adults are less involved and skilled with digital media than younger adults, by treating them as a homogenous group, it has overlooked differences in their digital skills and media use. Based on 41 in-depth interviews with older adults (aged 65+ years) in East York, Toronto, we developed a typology that moves beyond seeing older adults as Non-Users to include Reluctants, Apprehensives, Basic Users, Go-Getters, and Savvy Users. We find a nonlinear association between older adults’ skill levels and online engagement, as many East York older adults are not letting their skill levels dictate their online involvement. They engage in a wide range of online activities despite having limited skills, and some are eager to learn as they go. Older adults often compared their digital media use with their peers and to more tech-adept younger generations, and these comparisons influenced their attitudes toward digital media. Their narratives of mastery included both a positive sense that they can stay connected and learn new skills and a negative sense that digital media might overwhelm them or waste their time. We draw conclusions for public policy based on our findings on how digital media intersect with the lives of East York older adults.

scholarly journals I Do Help: Older Adults as Digital Media Support Providers for Their Peers

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 468-468
Author(s):  
Amanda Hunsaker ◽  
Minh Hao Nguyen ◽  
Jaelle Fuchs ◽  
Gökçe Karaoglu ◽  
Teodora Djukaric ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Mutual Support ◽  
Support Providers ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Technological Support ◽  
Online Technology ◽  
Coding Schemes

Abstract Older adults include highly sophisticated digital media users among their numbers for whom diverse methods of using online technology are a daily occurrence. Given that some older adults are quite tech-savvy, it follows that they may also provide digital media support to others. This study examines technological support-giving abilities and experiences of older adults. We completed in-depth qualitative interviews with older adults (ages 59+) in Hungary, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Turkey (N=63) exploring: (1) whether older adults give digital media support and reasons for (not) doing so; (2) how older adults provide support and to whom; and (3) experiences of providing support with IT security specifically. The research team conducted consensus meetings to identify themes and coding schemes, and memo writing to share findings and ensure reliability across and within coders. Overall, a large number of our participants reported giving digital media support, primarily within their social circles. The kinds of help provided highly varied from navigating the Internet to choosing devices and managing security settings. We also find mutual support – support given to each other – an important domain for how people in this age group share assistance for technical problems. While some participants did not provide help with digital technology because they lacked confidence to do so, others believed they could, but were never asked. That such a prominent amount of support providers exist in this age group implies that peer-led technical support approaches may be especially salient and effective in helping older adults use digital media.

Do not hear, see, or speak: views of older residents and their adult children about the nursing unit in the continuing care retirement community

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 1867-1877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liat Ayalon
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adult Children ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Retirement Community ◽  
Continuing Care ◽  
Nursing Unit ◽  
Substandard Care ◽  
Continuing Care Retirement Community ◽  
Over Time

ABSTRACTBackground:The present study evaluated views of continuing care retirement community (CCRC) residents and their adult children concerning the nursing unit (NU) within the CCRC.Methods:Qualitative interviews with older adults and their adult children were conducted. Analysis consisted of 187 interviews with older adults and their adult children over a period of up to six years. Analysis relied on constant comparisons within the same interview, over interviews of the same person over time, and between CCRC residents and their adult children. Major themes were identified to construct a coherent storyline.Results:The NU was viewed as a different universe that should be avoided at all costs. This was attributed to: (1) the association of the NU with one's impending decline and dependence and (2) beliefs about substandard care in the NU.Conclusions:The findings point to the ambivalence expressed by CCRC residents and their adult children concerning the NU, even though to some degree, the NU represents the main reason for the transition to a CCRC.

Multicultural digital media practices of 1.5-generation Korean immigrants in Canada

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyong Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Adult Children ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Korean Immigrants ◽  
Ethnic Segregation ◽  
1.5 Generation ◽  
Structural Forces ◽  
Media Practices ◽  
Young Immigrants

Drawing on qualitative interviews conducted in Toronto, Canada, this study examines how the young adult children of Korean immigrants, also known as 1.5-generation immigrants, explore multicultural senses of belonging and identity through digital media practices. This study reveals that although young immigrants’ capabilities to choose from different forms of cultural content may be enhanced by digital media, they may be subject to structural forces, such as offline ethnic segregation. That is, young immigrants may enjoy digital media as a multicultural facilitator in one sense but question its contribution to multicultural senses of identity in another.

DSM-5 alcohol use disorder features among treatment-seeking older adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 185-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silke Behrendt ◽  
Barbara Braun ◽  
Randi Bilberg ◽  
Gerhard Bühringer ◽  
Michael Bogenschutz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Treatment Seeking ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Dsm 5 ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
And Gender ◽  
International Multicenter

Abstract. Background: The number of older adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD) is expected to rise. Adapted treatments for this group are lacking and information on AUD features in treatment seeking older adults is scarce. The international multicenter randomized-controlled clinical trial “ELDERLY-Study” with few exclusion criteria was conducted to investigate two outpatient AUD-treatments for adults aged 60+ with DSM-5 AUD. Aims: To add to 1) basic methodological information on the ELDERLY-Study by providing information on AUD features in ELDERLY-participants taking into account country and gender, and 2) knowledge on AUD features in older adults seeking outpatient treatment. Methods: baseline data from the German and Danish ELDERLY-sites (n=544) were used. AUD diagnoses were obtained with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, alcohol use information with Form 90. Results: Lost control, desired control, mental/physical problem, and craving were the most prevalent (> 70 %) AUD-symptoms. 54.9 % reported severe DSM-5 AUD (moderate: 28.2 %, mild: 16.9 %). Mean daily alcohol use was 6.3 drinks at 12 grams ethanol each. 93.9 % reported binging. More intense alcohol use was associated with greater AUD-severity and male gender. Country effects showed for alcohol use and AUD-severity. Conclusion: European ELDERLY-participants presented typical dependence symptoms, a wide range of severity, and intense alcohol use. This may underline the clinical significance of AUD in treatment-seeking seniors.

What do patients want? A qualitative exploration of patients’ needs and expectations regarding online access to their primary care record

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711245
Author(s):  
Gail Davidge ◽  
Caroline Sanders ◽  
Rebecca Hays ◽  
Rebecca Morris ◽  
Helen Atherton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Future Design ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Primary Care Record ◽  
Online Access ◽  
Qualitative Exploration ◽  
Nhs Health Check ◽  
Patients Wishes

BackgroundPrimary care records have traditionally served the needs and demands of clinicians rather than those of the patient. GP contracts in England state practices must promote and offer registered patients online access to their primary care record and research has shown benefits to both patients and clinicians of doing so. Despite this, we know little about patients’ needs and expectations regarding online access.AimTo explore patients’ views about accessing online primary care records and to find out how patients would like to interact with their records and what support they may need.MethodInterviews and focus groups with a sample of 50 patients from a variety of socio-demographic backgrounds who were either; eligible for the NHS Health Check; had multimorbidities or were carers. Thematic analysis of data identified major themes impacting upon patients’ wishes and needs as well as highlighting population-specific issues.ResultsParticipants highlighted a wide range of views about the benefits and drawbacks of accessing their records online. The majority of participants indicated that they would be more likely to access their online primary care record if improvements were made to the design, reliability and functionality of existing online record services. Carers found accessing online records particularly useful.ConclusionConsultation with patients and carers about their experiences of accessing online records; support needs and preferred functions can provide useful insights to inform the future design of online record services.

scholarly journals Older workers imagining retirement: the collapse of agency, or freedom at last?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Anne Skevik Grødem ◽  
Ragni Hege Kitterød
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Social Meaning ◽  
Active Engagement ◽  
Work Patterns ◽  
Ideal Types ◽  
Retirement Decisions ◽  
The Ideal

Abstract Images of what retirement is and ought to be are changing. Older workers are being encouraged to work for longer, at the same time, older adults increasingly voice expectations of a ‘third age’ of active engagement and new life prospects. In this article, we draw on the literature on older workers’ work patterns and retirement transitions (noting push/pull/stay/stuck/jump factors), and on scholarship on the changing social meaning of old age, most importantly the notions of a ‘third’ and ‘fourth’ age. The analysis is based on qualitative interviews with 28 employees in the private sector in Norway, aged between 55 and 66 years. Based on the interviews, we propose three ideal-typical approaches to the work–retirement transition: ‘the logic of deadline’, ‘the logic of negotiation’ and ‘the logic of averting retirement’. The ideal-types are defined by the degree to which informants assume agency in the workplace, their orientation towards work versus retirement and the degree to which they expect to exercise agency in retirement. We emphasise how retirement decisions are informed by notions of the meaning of ageing, while also embedded in relationships with employers and partners.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document