Abstract
ABSTRACT This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to examine the effect of co-living with children on Internet use by individuals with severe mental disorders (SMD). The quantitative analysis showed that co-living with children was not significantly associated with overall Internet use by individuals with SMD. However, co-living with children reduced older adults’ engagement in several instrumental Internet activities. The supplementary qualitative analysis revealed that the physical proximity of co-living children and their high involvement in everyday household life reduced the need and willingness to use these instrumental Internet activities among older adults with SMD. Therefore, digital inclusion policies for older adults with SMD should adopt a family-based model in addition to promoting autonomous Internet use by individuals with SMD. Moreover, proxy use should be accommodated when designing and providing online services by allowing people to log on as an authorised proxy user and operate on behalf of a named other.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
