Abstract
Background: We wanted to understand older adults’ experiences of learning how to use a tablet computer in the context of an intervention trial, including what they found helpful or unhelpful about the tablet training, to guide future intervention studies.Methods: Mixed methods study using questionnaire and focus group approaches. Forty-three participants aged between 65 and 76 years old from the “Tablet for Healthy Ageing” study (comprising 22 in the intervention group and 21 controls) completed a post-intervention tablet experience questionnaire. Those who completed the tablet training intervention were invited to share their experiences of engaging with new technology in post-intervention focus groups. We conducted three separate focus groups with 14 healthy older adults (10 females).Results: Questionnaire data suggested that the overall experience of the 22 participants who participated in the tablet training intervention was positive. The majority of participants said that it was likely or very likely they would use a tablet in the future. The focus group themes that emerged were related to the perception of tablet training, the experience of using tablets, and suggestions for future studies. Participants mentioned that their confidence was increased, that they enjoyed being part of a social group and downloading applications, but they also felt challenged at times. Advantages of using tablets included the ability to keep in touch with family and friends, a motivation to contribute to the community, and the potential for tablets to improve mental abilities and overall health and wellbeing. Participants made suggestions that would enable tablet usage, including improvement of features, and suggestions that would improve future tablet training studies, including smaller classes.Conclusion: Our findings have implications for the development of interventions utilizing new technologies that might promote the health and wellbeing of older adults.
Highlights
Mobile technological devices such as tablet computers, a type of portable computer that has a touchscreen, continue to rise in popularity
Older Adults Learning Tablet Computers the United Kingdom increased from 39% in 2015 to 51% in 2016 (Ofcom, 2017a)
The tablet group showed improvements in episodic memory and processing speed compared with both control groups. These and our results suggest that a brief tablet training intervention had beneficial effects on some cognitive functions in older adults
Summary
Mobile technological devices such as tablet computers (commonly referred to as tablets), a type of portable computer that has a touchscreen, continue to rise in popularity. Older Adults Learning Tablet Computers the United Kingdom increased from 39% in 2015 to 51% in 2016 (Ofcom, 2017a). Tablets have the potential to improve older people’s quality of life by facilitating independent living (Orpwood et al, 2010). They often offer the same functionality as a normal computer at a smaller size and lighter weight. Older adults may prefer tablet technology over traditional computer technology due to the portability and usability advantages (e.g., adjustable font or icon size), especially those older people experiencing a wide range of specific motor and visual requirements (Chan et al, 2016). We wanted to understand older adults’ experiences of learning how to use a tablet computer in the context of an intervention trial, including what they found helpful or unhelpful about the tablet training, to guide future intervention studies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
