EXPLORING THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN OLDER PERSONS' DAILY ACTIVITIES

Background: Information and communication technology (ICT) can provide numerous possibilities for people to engage in new activities. ICT can facilitate contact with family and friends, engagement in social and leisure... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Information and communication technology (ICT) can provide numerous possibilities for people to engage in new activities. ICT can facilitate contact with family and friends, engagement in social and leisure activities, and use of community services such as health information and banking. With the proliferation of ICT in everyday life, older persons gain more opportunities to continue living independently and participate in society for as long as possible. However, digital gaps can hinder older persons from engaging in activities requiring ICT use. Exploring how older persons’ find occupational challenges, meaning and satisfaction in ICT-supported activities is therefore imperative.

Method:
Purposive sampling was used to recruit retired persons living in Internet-connected areas in northern Sweden. Data was collected through a short interview and filmed observation of performances in two or more ICT-supported activities while following a concurrent think aloud protocol. Data analysis follows a narrative approach and is currently under progress.

Results:
Participants’ previous experiences and use of ICTs in everyday activities varied. The preliminary results reveal that participants’ narratives present diverse occupational challenges, meanings and levels of satisfaction in their use of ICTs in chosen activities.

Conclusion:
Preliminary findings indicate that participants’ performances in and experiences of ICT-supported activities are idiosyncratic.

Application to Practice:
Understanding how older people find meaning and satisfaction in ICT-supported activities can contribute to the development of advanced technology to support independent living and participation in society. It can also stimulate collaborations in research, practice and education to develop services and products.