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.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Gaming Technology to Support Leisure Activities Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 559-559
Author(s):  
Walter Boot
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Gaming Technology ◽  
Research And Education

Abstract There has been a great deal of research on technology to support older adults in their performance of Activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. There has been substantially less research, however, on exploring technology solutions that support hobbies and leisure. This is unfortunate, as quality of life and well-being are determined by more than just one’s ability to manage everyday tasks. An overview will be presented of research the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) has conducted over two decades with the goals of understanding and supporting older adults’ performance of technology-based leisure activities. Many of these studies have involved videogaming, where there exists a substantial age-related digital divide. CREATE has evaluated older adults’ attitudes and game experiences through survey and research studies and has even recorded longitudinal gameplay. How these findings can be applied to support technology-based leisure activities will be expanded upon. Part of a symposium sponsored by Technology and Aging Interest Group.

scholarly journals Determinants of internet use by the elderly in Spain: time dedicated to search and communications

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-26
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Campaña ◽  
Raquel Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Individual Health ◽  
Knowing That ◽  
Online Activities

Internet use reduces the isolation or exclusion of individuals in specific socio-economic groups and, consequently, increases the quality of life, with this being especially the case for the elderly. Knowing that the elderly are becoming particularly active in dedicating time to the Internet, we provide evidence of the time that Spanish individuals aged 65 and older dedicate to two online activities: search and communications. We estimate a SUR model with data from the STUS for 2009-2010. Our main results indicate that being male has a positive influence on the time devoted to search on the Internet. Furthermore, time devoted to both Internet activities increases with higher levels of education and at the highest level of individual health.

The Influence of Social Support and Coping on Quality of Life Among Elderly With Age-Related Hearing Loss

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Moser ◽  
Wolfgang Luxenberger ◽  
Wolfgang Freidl
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
World Health ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Age Related Hearing Loss

Purpose The consequences of hearing loss hinder the everyday life of older adults and are associated with reduced well-being. The research aim was to explore the influence of hearing problems, various coping strategies, and perceived social support on quality of life. Method Sixty-five older adults with age-related hearing loss (≥55 years) in Austria participated and completed a paper–pencil survey with standardized questionnaires: Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (Ventry and Weinstein, 1982), Assessment for Coping and Stress (Laireiter, 1997), short form of the Social Support Questionnaire (Fydrich, Sommer, Tydecks, & Brähler, 2009), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale–Brief Version (World Health Organization, 1996). Results Quality of life was predicted by perceived social support and the number of comorbid diseases (i.e., the physical, psychological, environmental, and social quality of life was better the greater the extent of perceived social support and poorer the more diseases from which the participants suffered). Conclusions Perceived social support may be a relevant factor to focus on in auditory rehabilitation programs, in particular, for participants who communicate little support in hearing-related situations and are, hence, at a relative disadvantage. The involvement of significant others in counseling could facilitate the everyday life for older adults with age-related hearing loss and their significant others.

The Aging and Technological Society

2018 ◽  
pp. 205-234
Author(s):  
David B. Ross ◽  
Maricris Eleno-Orama ◽  
Elizabeth Vultaggio Salah
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Generational Differences ◽  
Educational Programs ◽  
Retirement Communities ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Medical Providers ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Physical Wellbeing

This chapter provides information and support for researchers, family, and medical providers concerning how technology can improve the quality of life for older adults while remain independent as they age in place at home or a community. In examining the available research, the researchers did find continuous developments in Gerontechnology to be beneficial as the aging population is rapidly increasing worldwide. There is increased recognition of the advancement in technology to help the aging in areas of autonomy, socialization, and mental and physical wellbeing. This chapter covered areas of change, independence with a better quality of life, technological devices/adoptions, generational differences and learning with technologies, and university-based retirement communities. This chapter concludes with suggestions for future development in accessibility of technology-based educational programs and the Internet, how to infuse technology to advance the older adults' independence and quality of life, and how older adults are adapting to living in life span communities.

“I Could Do Stereotypical Old People Things … but I Feel Like I Would Get Bored With That Stuff”: College Students’ Proactive Steps to Avoid Negative Aspects of Aging

2020 ◽  
pp. 009141502098188
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Hahn ◽  
Jennifer M. Kinney
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
College Students ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Outcomes ◽  
Old People ◽  
Interpretive Phenomenology ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
External Resources ◽  
Age Related

The preventive and corrective proactivity model explores how internal and external resources mediate age-related stressors to counter negative outcomes of aging. Older adults’ proactivity about their future is consistently associated with higher quality of life, but research has not explored younger adults’ perceptions of their aging. We used interpretive phenomenology analysis to analyze 24 students’ essays from the beginning and end of an introductory gerontology course to understand anticipated adaptation to their 75-year-old self. The superordinate theme proactive steps to avoid negative aspects of aging comprised five subordinate themes (being productive, exercising and eating right, being financially stable, being socially connected, and the roles of older adults). Students presented unrealistically positive selves at 75 and discussed how to maintain and adapt to redefine their aging experience. Findings have implications for research on adaption, proactivity, and the future-self, and suggest that pedagogy incorporates realistic expectations of aging.

scholarly journals Caloric Restriction May Help Delay the Onset of Frailty and Support Frailty Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pan Liu ◽  
Yun Li ◽  
Lina Ma
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Caloric Restriction ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Frailty is an age-related clinical syndrome that may increase the risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and death in older adults. Delaying the progression of frailty helps improve the quality of life in older adults. Caloric restriction (CR) may extend lifespan and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. However, few studies have explored the relationship between CR and frailty. In this review, we focused on the impact of CR on frailty and aimed to identify potential associated mechanisms. Although CR may help prevent frailty, further studies are required to determine the underlying mechanisms and specific CR regimens suitable for use in humans.

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