scholarly journals Intergenerational Effects on the Impacts of Technology Use in Later Life: Insights from an International, Multi-Site Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Hannah R. Marston ◽  
Janna Olynick ◽  
Charles Musselwhite ◽  
Cory Kulczycki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Intergenerational Support ◽  
Use Of Technology

As the use of technology becomes further integrated into the daily lives of all persons, including older adults, it is important to investigate how the perceptions and use of technology intersect with intergenerational relationships. Based on the international multi-centered study Technology In Later Life (TILL), this paper emphasizes the perceptions of older adults and the interconnection between technology and intergenerational relationships are integral to social connectedness with others. Participants from rural and urban sites in Canada and the UK (n = 37) completed an online survey and attended a focus group. Descriptive and thematic analyses suggest that older adults are not technologically adverse and leverage intergenerational relationships with family and friends to adjust to new technologies and to remain connected to adult children and grandchildren, especially when there is high geographic separation between them. Participants referenced younger family members as having introduced them to, and having taught them how to use, technologies such as digital devices, computers, and social networking sites. The intergenerational support in the adoption of new technologies has important implications for helping older persons to remain independent and to age in place, in both age-friendly cities and in rural communities. The findings contribute to the growing literature in the fields of gerontology and gerontechnology on intergenerational influences and the impacts of technology use in later life and suggest the flexibility and willingness of older persons to adopt to new technologies as well as the value of intergenerational relationships for overcoming barriers to technology adoption.

scholarly journals Intergenerational connections through technology: Insights from the Technology Use in Later Life multi-site study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 928-929
Author(s):  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Hannah R Marston ◽  
Charles Musselwhite ◽  
Janna Olynick ◽  
Rebecca Genoe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Intergenerational Connections

Abstract With enhanced challenges to maintain social connections especially during times of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for technology solutions grow. Technologies have become interwoven into the daily lives for many older adults. The Technology Use in Later Life (TILL) study investigated how the perceptions and use of technology both can foster new and leverage existing intergenerational relationships. Through a mixed methods study engaging older adults aged 70 years of age and greater across rural and urban sites in Canada and the UK (N=37), participants described how the interconnection between technology and intergenerational relationships was an integral component to social connectedness with others. Through a qualitative descriptive approach, it was noted that older adults leveraged intergenerational relationships with family and friends to adjust to new technologies and to remain connected to adult children and grandchildren especially when there is high geographic separation between them. Especially during times of COVID-19, younger family members can play an important role to introduce and teach older adults how to use, technologies such as digital devices, computers, and social networking sites. Participants emphasized the benefits of intergenerational connections to adopt and use technology in later life noting flexibility and willingness to overcome barriers to technology adoption and remain connected across the generations. The adoption and uptake of technologies may continue as viable options during times of social distancing to support older persons to remain independent, age in place, in both age-friendly cities and across rural geographies during and post COVID-19.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Perceptions of ICT: Main Findings from the Technology In Later Life (TILL) Study

Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Ramsden Marston ◽  
Rebecca Genoe ◽  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Cory Kulczycki ◽  
Charles Musselwhite
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Impact Behavior ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The Impact

Technology is entwined in 21st Century society, and within the lives of people across all ages. The Technology In Later Life (TILL) study is the first piece of work contributing to the impact, behavior, and perception of technology use, by adults aged ≥70 years, residing in rural and suburban areas. TILL is an international, multi-centred, multi-methods study investigating and conceptualizing how various technologies impact the lives of older adults; residing in urban and rural locations in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada. This in-depth study recruited 37 participants via a multi-methods approach. Analysis of the findings ascertained two overarching themes: facilitators of technology use (i.e., sharing of information and feeling secure), and detractors of technology (i.e., feelings of apprehension of use). Proposed recommendations include promotion of technology from a strengths-based perspective focusing on positive opportunities technology to improve health and wellbeing, creating a peer support network to assist with learning of new technology, and the need to examine further how intergenerational relationships may be enhanced through the use of technology. The distinction of these themes narrates to the originality of this initial study and milieu of recruited participants, intersecting across the fields of gerontology, geography, social sciences, and gerontechnology.

scholarly journals Perspectives of Stakeholders on Technology Use in the Care of Community-Living Older Adults with Dementia: A Systematic Literature Review

Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonieke van Boekel ◽  
Eveline Wouters ◽  
Bea Grimberg ◽  
Nardo van der Meer ◽  
Katrien Luijkx
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Community Living ◽  
Formal Caregivers ◽  
Peace Of Mind ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Privacy And Confidentiality

Although technology has the potential to promote aging in place, the use of technology remains scarce among community-living older adults with dementia. A reason might be that many stakeholders are involved who all have a different perspective on technology use (i.e., needs, wishes, attitudes, possibilities, and difficulties). We systematically searched the literature in order to provide an overview of perspectives of different stakeholders on technology use among community-living older adults with dementia. After selection, 46 studies were included. We mainly found perspectives of informal caregivers and, to a lesser extent, of persons with dementia and formal caregivers. Perspectives of suppliers of technology were not present. Shared perspectives among persons with dementia and informal and formal caregivers were, among other things, ease of use, stability and flexibility of technology, importance of privacy, and confidentiality. We also found that among older persons, fun and pleasure, in addition to enhancing freedom and independence, facilitates technology use. Informal caregivers’ peace of mind and relief of burden also appeared to be important in using technologies. Formal caregivers value the potential of technologies to improve monitoring and communication. Insight in shared, and conflicting perspectives of stakeholders are essential to enhance the use of technology.

scholarly journals Barriers that Contribute to the Digital Divide Among Older Community Dwelling Adults in Later Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 876-876
Author(s):  
Mai See Yang ◽  
Haowei Wang ◽  
Yong Kyung Choi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Smart Phone ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Foreign Born

Abstract Research demonstrates that race and health literacy contribute to the digital divide, which is a major public health concern for older adults in the U.S. However, we still lack information about what types of barriers older adults have through a comprehensive examination using population -based data. This study focuses specifically on barriers to technology use among older adults. We use data from the Health and Retirement study 2012 Module “Technology Use: Barriers and Benefits” (N = 1,416). About 42% of participatnts did not use any technology (e.g., emails, social media, smart phone) (n = 501). The mean age for this non-user group was 72 years old (SD 10.3). 13% were foreign born, over half were female (56%), and the majory were somewhat educated (72% with a high school education or lower). About 23% of non-users were self-reported black, 16% Hispanic, 3% other race, and 58% non-Hispanic white. Barriers for adopting the use of technology included too difficult to keep up with the changes in technology (78%), too complicated (69%), not interested (65%), too much time required to learn (53%), too hard to learn (52%), expensive (43%), not easily available (24%), and opposed to using new technologies (27%). Results suggest that barriers were significantly correlated with more depressive symptoms among older adults who did not use technology. Compared to users, non-users were also more likely to have health conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, stroke, and arthritis). Findings of this study provide directions to address digital divide among older adults.

Interventions for Mental Health Problems in Later Life

2010 ◽  
pp. 810-837
Author(s):  
Jason M. Holland ◽  
Dolores Gallagher-Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Clinical Psychologist ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Worldwide Population ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Post Traumatic

Older adults are increasingly making up a larger segment of the worldwide population, which presents both challenges and opportunities for the clinical psychologist in the 21st century. In this chapter, we address some of the unique aspects of working with this population, focusing on general guidelines for tailoring interventions for older adults, specific treatments for particular problems commonly faced in later life, as well as issues of diversity and how they might impact psychotherapy with older clients. We also outline several areas in geropsychology that are in need of further investigation, namely the use of technology, post-traumatic stress, and family therapy, and offer some recommendations for future directions in this field of study.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Adaptations to the Call for Social Distancing and Use of Technology: Insights From Socioemotional Selectivity Theory and Lived Experiences

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482199686
Author(s):  
Shoshana H. Bardach ◽  
Elizabeth K. Rhodus ◽  
Kelly Parsons ◽  
Allison K. Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Technology Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Socioemotional Selectivity Theory ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Socioemotional Selectivity ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Comparison Approach

Social distancing guidelines during COVID can be isolating, especially for older adults, with potential for poor health outcomes. Technology offers opportunities for remote connection, yet, older adults’ use of and perspectives on technology during this time remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into older adults’ technology use and preferences to inform the development of a technology training intervention to support older adult well-being. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 older adults. Interviews were analyzed using an iterative, constant comparison approach. Findings were consistent with Socioemotional Selectivity Theory; respondents were primarily interested in technology to support emotionally meaningful goals. Participants indicated limited interest in technology training, referencing diminished future time perspectives to explain disinterest. Findings suggest that efforts to encourage older adults’ expanded technology adoption should highlight how use supports emotionally meaningful goals and provide low-effort, timely training, tied to specific and clear applications.

scholarly journals INSTAPALS: FACILITATING INTERGENERATIONAL CONTACT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S808-S809
Author(s):  
Ashley Lytle ◽  
Nancy Nowacek
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intergroup Contact Theory ◽  
Social Exchanges ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Aging Anxiety

Abstract Using the traditional framework of Pen Pals, Instapals was a project that facilitated 1-to-1 intergenerational relationships through daily exchanges on Instagram for 30 days. Although communication channels have exploded in the past 10 years in large part to social platforms and digital technologies, the diversity of daily social interactions has decreased. More and more, society has become siloed by age, interest, and belief. Building off intergroup contact theory, Instapals was designed to encourage positive intergenerational contact between younger (undergraduate students) and older adults (individuals 65+) and challenge ageist beliefs. Intergenerational social exchanges occurred both on Instagram and during three in-person meetings. Among undergraduate students, attitudes and stereotypes toward older adults and aging were assessed at three timepoints (before meeting their older adult partner, during a mid-point evaluation, and at the end of the project). Quantitative analyses demonstrate a decrease in aging anxiety, a decrease in psychological concerns about the aging process, and a greater endorsement of positive perceptions toward one’s older adult partner. Qualitative analyses of written responses from students (collected before meeting their older adult partner and at the end of the project) revealed that the Instapals project helped students challenge ageist attitudes and stereotypes and was perceived to be a positive experience overall. Implications suggest that positive intergenerational contact can be facilitated and enhanced through the use of technology. Future research should explore whether attitudes, stereotypes, and self-perceptions of aging changed among older adults as well as other technological mechanisms for facilitating intergenerational contact.

scholarly journals Technology implementation in delivery of healthcare to older people: how can the least voiced in society be heard?

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne van Zaalen ◽  
Mary McDonnell ◽  
Barbara Mikołajczyk ◽  
Sandra Buttigieg ◽  
Maria del Carmen Requena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Great Emphasis ◽  
Older Person ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Use Of Technology

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on ethical and judicial themes related to technology and the older adults.Design/methodology/approachDifferent consecutive phases in technology design and allocation will be discussed from a range of perspectives.FindingsLongevity is one of the greatest achievements of contemporary science and a result of development of social relations. Currently, various non-communicable diseases affect older adults and impose the greatest burden on global health. There is a great emphasis across Europe on caring for the older person in their own homes. Technology has a mediating role in determining the possibilities for good quality of life (QOL). The concept of assisting the older adult through the use of technology so as to access healthcare services has enormous potential. Although the potential of technology in healthcare is widely recognised, technology use can have its downsides. Professionals need to be aware of the risks, namely, those related to the privacy of the older person, which may accompany technology use.Research limitations/implicationsBy 2050, there will be more people aged over 65 than there are children. This phenomenon of global ageing constitutes a massive challenge in the area of health protection.Practical implicationsProfessionals need to be aware of the risks, for example, related to the privacy of the older person, that may accompany technology use.Social implicationsThere is a great emphasis across Europe on caring for the older person in their own homes. Technology has a mediating role in determining the possibilities for QOL.Originality/valueThe concept of assisting the older adult through the use of technology to avail of healthcare has enormous potential. Assistive technology, social media use and augmentative and alternative communication can have a positive effect on the QOL of older people, as long as they are supported enough in use of these technologies. However, ethical and juridical considerations are at stake as well.

scholarly journals Older Adults—Potential Users of Technologies

Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vita Lesauskaitė ◽  
Gytė Damulevičienė ◽  
Jurgita Knašienė ◽  
Egidijus Kazanavičius ◽  
Agnius Liutkevičius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
University Education ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Ageing In Place ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background and objective: The successful adoption of technology is becoming increasingly important to functional independence and successful ageing in place. A better understanding of technology usage amongst older people may help to direct future interventions aimed at improving their healthcare. We aimed to obtain the first data regarding technology use, including gerontechnologies, represented by fall detectors, from older adults in Lithuania. Material and methods: The research was carried out in the framework of the project Smart Gerontechnology for Healthy Ageing, which involved assessing the use of technologies and the readiness to use gerontechnologies, as represented by fall detectors. A total of 375 individuals that were more than 60 years of age were enrolled in the study. The self-reporting questionnaires were completed by geriatric in-patients, hospitalized in the geriatric department, and also by community-dwelling older adults. Results: Geriatric in-patients’ use of computers and the internet was associated with age (every year of age decreased the probability of computer and internet use by 0.9-times) and a positive attitude towards new technologies—this predictor increased the use of a computer by six-times in comparison with people who did not have such an attitude. Sex and education had no influence on computer use for geriatric in-patients. For community-dwelling older adults, the use of computers and internet was associated with age, education (a university education increased the use of computers and the internet by four times), and a positive attitude towards technologies. Conclusions: Lithuanian older women in the study used computers, the internet, and cell phones equally with men. Increasing age was a strong negative predictor of technology use. A positive attitude to new technologies was a strong positive predictor of technology use. Most geriatric patients and community-dwelling older adults were ready to use technologies that permit ageing in place.

scholarly journals OLDER ADULTS’ SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND WELL-BEING IN A DIGITAL WORLD

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S14-S14
Author(s):  
Shannon T Mejia ◽  
Sara J Czaja
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Social Integration ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Digital World ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

Abstract As adults age into a digitally connected world, communication technologies such as the internet, email, social media, and video chats offer new opportunities to connect with others. The implications of older adults’ use of technology in the context of their social relationships—such as the implications for social integration, the relational circumstances of technology adoption, implications for daily experiences of well-being, and opportunities to form new relationships—are less understood. This symposium brings together diverse and complementary perspectives on the contribution of technology to older adults’ social experiences. We begin with inquiry into implications of internet use for social integration. Hees and colleagues use data from the German Ageing Survey to examine how internet use is associated with change in loneliness over a three-year period in older adults who are either before or after retirement. Our symposium continues with papers on technology use within the context of older adults’ existing close relationships. Chopik examines individual and dyadic predictors of technology adoption. Mejía and colleagues consider the implications for digital social interactions for older adult’s well-being on that day. Our final paper discusses the potential for technology to aid in the development of new relationships. Rogers and colleagues describe findings from their OneClick.chat project, a web-based video chat application that connects older adults based on their shared interests. Our session concludes with a discussion led by Czaja, who will integrate the four papers and discuss the challenges and opportunities of using technology to support older adults’ social relationships and well-being.

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