THE INTERNET – AN ENTRANCE TO TOGETHERNESS OR A RISK OF SEGREGATION AMONG OLDER ADULTS?

Today, the use of the Internet is an integral part of what people do and engage in within the courses of their everyday life. However, research on togetherness in online contexts among older adults is relatively sparse.... [ view full abstract ]

Today, the use of the Internet is an integral part of what people do and engage in within the courses of their everyday life. However, research on togetherness in online contexts among older adults is relatively sparse. Therefore, the aim of this research paper was to explore and describe how the Internet was experienced as a tool for togetherness in everyday occupations among older adults.

Focus group discussions generated the data and a total of twelve older adults participated in this study, six women and six men between 67 and 79 years of age. The participants were divided in three focus groups and data were generated on two different occasions with each group. Analysis was performed using a constant comparative method.

Findings contribute to an understanding of the possibilities and concerns of using the Internet for togetherness in everyday occupations. Togetherness through the Internet was associated with ambiguity and uncertainty among older adults. The older generation had to be part of the rapid technological development or risk segregation. Online contexts generated new possibilities for togetherness, created a sense of belonging to others and to the community at large. However, the Internet is not necessarily inclusive and available to everyone.

Based on the findings, society needs to consider how to create conditions that support older adults to become Internet users. In light of our findings, we argue that older adults who use the Internet could be positive role models in encouraging other old adults to use the Internet.