Internet Use and Perceived Impact on Quality of Life among Older Adults: A Phenomenological Investigation

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veena Chattaraman ◽  
Wi-Suk Kwon ◽  
Juan Gilbert
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Perceived Impact

Internet Use among Older Adults

2013 ◽  
pp. 124-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiwei Chen ◽  
Bob Lee ◽  
Robert M. Kirk
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Emotional Needs ◽  
Cognitive Limitations ◽  
Selective Optimization With Compensation ◽  
Emotional Processes ◽  
Age Related

Older adults (65 and above) are the fastest growing population to use computers and the Internet in their everyday lives. The primary purpose of this chapter is to use a Lifespan Developmental Perspective to examine both the constraints and the opportunities of Internet use among older adults. Given age-related changes in physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional processes, older adults may encounter different constraints in Internet use from younger adults. The Selective Optimization with Compensation model is used to explore opportunities for older adults in using the Internet to improve quality of life. Future product designs and training programs should take into account older adults’ physical and cognitive limitations, as well as their socio-emotional needs. It is also recommended that social policies should help older adults overcome these constraints in order to reduce age-related digital divide and promote quality of life for older adults.

scholarly journals Impact of the use of the internet on quality of life in older adults: review of literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhumika Aggarwal ◽  
Qian Xiong ◽  
Elisabeth Schroeder-Butterfill
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Use Of Internet ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Aim: Given the paucity of data on the use of internet and quality of life (QoL), this literature review aimed to identify the motivations and barriers for internet use and the impact on QoL on older adults using the internet. Background: Even though older adults are increasingly using information technology, the numbers remain quite small globally. Currently published research primarily focuses on the various ways and methods of information technology use by older adults and the factors influencing use rather than on the impact of information technology on QoL of older adults. Methods: The studies included in this literature review were searched in three databases: WEB of Science, GoogleScholar and PubMed. English language articles were searched using the terms ‘older’, ‘elderly’, ‘senior’, ‘well-being’, ‘life satisfaction’, ‘quality of life’, ‘internet’ and “computer”. Findings: The review demonstrated the association of internet use on QoL in older adults. The majority of the studies substantiate the advantages of internet use by older adults including the ability to communicate with family and friends, maintain a wide social network, have access to information and participate in online leisure activities. There are some studies, though less in number, which did not find a relationship between well-being and use of internet by older adults. The policy implications of this review advocate a multidimensional strategy to support internet use by the older people incorporating internet training and education, financial issues, technical support and access needs to be developed.

The Impact of Intersectionality of Multiple Identities on the Digital Health Divide, Quality of Life and Loneliness amongst Older Adults in the UK

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Chi-Pun Liu
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Status ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Multiple Identities ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
The Uk

Abstract The study measures the digital divide between digital/internet users and non-digital/internet users and the intersectional impact of multiple identities, i.e. gender, race and social status, on older adults in the UK. The analysis interviewed 9,246 adults aged fifty-five plus years in 2012 and 8,484 in 2014 in the English Longitudinal Study on Ageing. The digital health divide was evaluated both by CASP-19 (quality of life, QoL) and UCLA-Loneliness Scale with the intersectional effect of respondents’ multiple identities and digital/internet use. The results suggested a reduction in the digital divide amongst elders in the UK. Generalised estimating equations found that, amongst regular internet users having good social status, white females attained good QoL and little loneliness (CASP-19: β = 2.921, p <0.001; Loneliness: β=–0.631, p <0.001); and white and BME (black and minority ethnic) males both scored low on the loneliness scale (white: β=–0.809, p < 0.001 BME: β= –0.549, p <0.05). BME females with poor social status despite regular internet use got lower QoL and greater loneliness scores (CASP-19: β=–3.107, p <0.05; Loneliness: β=0.935, p <0.001), showing inequalities in their health outcomes. The intersectional perspective of cumulative disadvantages can help social workers better understand how the multiplicative effect of multiple identities socially excludes the vulnerable adults. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

scholarly journals More Frequent Internet Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic Associates with Enhanced Quality of Life and Lower Depression Scores in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 393
Author(s):  
Anna-Stiina Wallinheimo ◽  
Simon L. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Frequent Users ◽  
Frequency Of Use

Concerns have been raised regarding middle-aged and older adults’ mental health during the coronavirus outbreak. The aim of the current study was to characterise associations between internet use (frequency and purpose), depression symptoms and Quality of Life (QoL) during the pandemic, in individuals aged 55–75. Data (N = 3491) were drawn from the English longitudinal study of ageing (ELSA) cohort study collected in June/July 2020 (while social distancing measures were in place). Associations with frequency of use were tested using analysis of covariance (ANCOVAS), controlling for covariates such as wealth and education. Type of internet use (for communication, information search) was also analysed amongst frequent users. Significant effects of frequency of use were observed (p = 0.01 for depression, p < 0.001 for QoL), with lower depression symptoms and higher QoL scores amongst more frequent users. Regarding purpose of use, those who reported using the internet for communication purposes had higher QoL. However, use for health-related or Government services information searching was associated with more depression symptoms. Results provide important information regarding the potential benefits of internet use for middle-aged and older people, suggesting that strategies to increase internet usage (particularly for communication) might benefit middle-aged and older adults’ mental health and counter isolation as the coronavirus crisis continues to evolve.

scholarly journals DIGITAL INDEPENDENCE: HEALTH-RELATED DIFFICULTY IN INTERNET USE AND HOW IT AFFECTS OLDER ADULTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S442-S443
Author(s):  
Shannon Ang ◽  
Emily Lim ◽  
Rahul Malhotra
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Using the internet is increasingly a necessity. However, older adults may not do so due to either non-health reasons (e.g., lack of digital literacy or internet access) or health-related reasons. While researchers have studied internet use among older adults, most do not discriminate whether non-use is due to health reasons or otherwise. Recent studies also reveal that older adults use the internet to keep in touch with family and friends, highlighting that limitations in internet use may be detrimental for their well-being. We therefore, examine the key correlates of health-related difficulty in internet use, and how it may affect quality of life by reducing the size of their social support networks. Data were from a national survey of older Singaporeans (n=3966) conducted in 2016-17. Multinomial logistic regression and mediation analysis were used to identify older adult subgroups more likely to experience health-related difficulty in internet use, and whether such difficulty affected older adults’ quality of life through their social support networks. Results showed that males, those of Malay ethnicity, those with less education, and those with more instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) limitations were more likely to experience health-related difficulty in internet use. Social support networks mediated the relationship between health-related difficulty in internet use and quality of life. These findings suggest that other than managing the health conditions of older adults who face health-related difficulty in internet use, offline modes of keeping them socially connected may promote their quality of life.

Health-Related Difficulty in Internet Use Among Older Adults: Correlates and Mediation of Its Association With Quality of Life Through Social Support Networks

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Ang ◽  
Emily Lim ◽  
Rahul Malhotra
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background and Objectives Internet use is increasingly a necessity. However, older adults may not use the internet due to either nonhealth reasons (e.g., lack of digital literacy or internet access) or health-related reasons (e.g., visual impairment or movement difficulties). While researchers have studied internet use among older adults, most do not discriminate whether nonuse is due to health-related reasons or otherwise. We therefore examine the key correlates of health-related difficulty in internet use among older adults, and how it may affect the quality of life (QoL) through their perceived social support networks. Research Design and Methods Data were from a national survey of older Singaporeans (N = 3,966) conducted in 2016–2017. Multinomial logistic regression and mediation analysis were used to identify older adult subgroups more likely to experience health-related difficulty in internet use, and whether such difficulty affected older adults’ QoL through their social support networks. Results Those of male gender, of Malay ethnicity, with less education, and with more instrumental activity of daily living limitations were more likely to experience health-related difficulty in internet use. Social support networks mediated the relationship between health-related difficulty in internet use and QoL. Discussion and Implications Disparities in internet use are not just shaped by access or skill, but also health. Health-related difficulties in internet use are related to older adults’ social support networks and quality of life. As social connections become increasingly based around networked individuals due to technological advancements, more attention should be given to addressing these health-related difficulties.

scholarly journals Actual use of Computers and the Internet by Older Adults

2013 ◽  
pp. 161-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Slegers ◽  
Martin P. van Boxtel
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Computer Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internet Applications ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Actual Use

Improving autonomy and quality of life for older adults has become an increasingly important aim of gerontological research. Computer and Internet applications hold great promise to maintain autonomy and increase quality of life. This chapter focuses on the impact of computer and Internet use on several aspects of quality of life and autonomy of older adults. It is based on an intervention program that included concise computer training and the use of a computer and the Internet for twelve months. The results of this randomized, controlled study showed no effects, neither positive nor negative, of computer and Internet use on cognitive functioning, autonomy, well-being and social network, the use of everyday technological devices, and subjective physical functioning. Overall, it was concluded that computer and Internet usage by healthy older adults is a safe activity, albeit with no robust advantage for cognitive capacity in healthy older adults.

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