USING TECHNOLOGY IN LATER LIFE: QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS INTO ACTUAL AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS

MacLeod, C.A.; Canvin, K.; Sacker, A.; Netuveli, G.; Windle, G.

Abstract

Poor health is known to predict social exclusion in later life, however this relationship is moderated by internet and technology use. People’s approach to technology varies and older adults are known to engage less with technology and its associated applications than younger age groups. We conducted qualitative interviews with 40 participants aged 65 years and over, asking people about their access to services and use of technology. Focusing on information and communication technology (ICT), we found varying levels of engagement amongst this group and identified four categories of use: proficient, basic/learner, proxy and avoider. We explored people’s experiences of ICT and revealed a number of actual and perceived barriers, including hardware, software and social factors that inhibit people from fully engaging with technology. Technology use has the potential to protect older adults in poor health from exclusion, but first people need to overcome barriers preventing them from engaging with technology.

Citation

MacLeod, C., Canvin, K., Sacker, A., Netuveli, G., & Windle, G. (2017, July). USING TECHNOLOGY IN LATER LIFE: QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS INTO ACTUAL AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS. Presented at 21st International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) World Congress, San Francisco, CA, USA

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: 21st International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) World Congress
• Conference Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
• Start Date: Jul 23, 2017
• End Date: Jul 27, 2017
• Deposit Date: Mar 1, 2024
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igx004.372