Seniors and the Use of New Technologies: Loneliness and Support Networks

Abstract

Abstract The study of seniors’ perception of the use of technology is the main topic of this article. This is relevant because of the topicality and the need to understand how active aging and the use of new technology are realized in a seniors’ dedicated program in Romania. In the literature review section, the following concepts are presented: the role of technology in everyday life, the types of technologies seniors use, the meaning of information and communication technology concept, and understanding the concept of loneliness and seniors’ needs. The second section of the article consists of qualitative research using based on a case study (in-depth interviews and participatory observation) on the Telefonul Vârstnicului Program (Senior People Phone Line) in Romania. The purpose of the research is to identify the seniors’ needs, faced problems, reached needs, and the qualities a social worker should have. The main findings of the research emphasize the fact that senior citizens are guided to various state institutions, providing them with useful, verified, and official information. Older people face several problems, both financial and medical, but they also need to communicate to relieve loneliness and meet new people. The digital skills of the elderly are quite limited but have been growing in recent years.