Abstract
Background
As mobile computing technology evolves, such as smartphones and tablet computers, it increasingly offers features that may be particularly beneficial to older adults. However, the digital divide exists, and many older adults have been shown to have difficulty using these devices. The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified how much older adults need but are excluded from having access to technologies to meet essential daily needs and overcome physical distancing restrictions.
Objective
This study sought to understand how older adults who had never used a tablet computer learn to use it, what they want to use it for, and what barriers they experience as they continue to use it during social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
We conducted a series of semistructured interviews with eight people aged 65 years and older for 16 weeks, investigating older novice users’ adoption and use of a tablet computer during the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19.
Results
Participants were gradually yet successfully accustomed to using a tablet computer to serve various daily needs, including entertainment, social connectedness, and information-seeking. However, this success was not achieved through developing sufficient digital skills but rather by applying the methods they were already familiar with in its operation, such as taking and referring to instruction notes.
Conclusions
Our findings imply that older adults without digital literacy can still benefit from a digital device for quality of later life if proper traditional methods they are already familiar with are offered in its use.
Subject
Geriatrics and Gerontology,Health Informatics,Gerontology,Health (social science)
Reference55 articles.
1. AndersonMPerrinATechnology use among seniorsPew Research Center201705172022-02-25https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2017/05/17/technology-use-among-seniors/
2. Internet/broadband fact sheetPew Research Center20212022-02-25https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/
3. Mobile fact sheetPew Research Center20212022-02-25https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/
4. Does Screen Size Matter for Smartphones? Utilitarian and Hedonic Effects of Screen Size on Smartphone Adoption
5. Facilitators of and Barriers to mHealth Adoption in Older Adults With Heart Failure
Cited by
17 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献