“I Really Can’t Imagine What It Would Have Been like Without the Technology”: Older Adults’ Experiences with Technology During COVID-19

Abstract

During COVID-19, older adults were at risk due to isolation associated with physical distancing precautions. Various innovative technologies emerged to keep “society functionable” and to serve older adults. Earlier research found that older adults’ relationships with technology changed during the pandemic and that many older adults saw positives to adopting communication. However, the positive and negative experiences of technology use among older adults during COVID-19 remain to be known. Thirty-nine (N = 39) in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore these experiences of technology use. Participants reported benefits and positive outcomes of technology use, including social connection, work, education, and access to resources. Additionally, barriers and negative outcomes of technology use during COVID-19 were found such as burnout, frustration, and feeling tethered to a device. These findings suggest that technology utilization may be critical in this digital era. Efforts to reduce the existing digital divide and improve technology utilization may serve to best support older adults, particularly during challenges and periods of isolation, such as the pandemic.