Effects of the Use of the Information and Communication Technology on Social Participation in Older Adults: Review of Literature

Abstract

Purpose: With the aging of the population, the development of Information and communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and education systems attention is being paid to that can maintain social network in older adults. The objective of the review was to explore how effects of ICT use on social participation. Participants and Methods: The studies included in this literature review were searched in three databases: PubMed®, MEDLINE with Full Text, CINAHL® with Full Text, Educational Resource Information Center, eBook Collection (ERIC). English language articles were searched using the terms ‘older adults’, ‘information and communication technology’, ‘internet’, ‘information literacy’, ‘social networking’, and “social participation”. Results: A total of 22 papers met the inclusion criteria, findings were fourfold, suggesting that: (i) more research is focused on the uses of internet technology, social network, digital health (ii); social participation was evaluated by ICT use, loneliness, social network, sociodemographic; (iii) the technology of using ICT is related to the growth background of the older adults; and (iv) improving device operability contributes to increased ICT acceptance. Conclusion: Results suggest a need for studies that examine new and innovative forms of technology and meaningful of ICT use, highlighting the importance of learning skill of ICT use as one way to encourage social participation in older adults. Key words: Information and communication technology, older adults, social participation