Abstract
Background: Older adults sometimes shy away from using modern digital communication devices due to lacking experience and fear of failure. Within the present project, SmartCards were developed as analogous means to operate tablet computers for older adults with little previous computer experience. We investigated whether the SmartCards-Tablet-System would (a) increase use of digital communication and (b) affect loneliness, autonomy, cognitive ability and wellbeing of the users. Methods: The suitability and acceptance of the system was evaluated during a three month trial period with seniors in retirement homes, seniors with home assistance care and a waiting control group. Results: Acceptance, duration of use and frequency of use were high in both experimental groups. Cognitive ability significantly improved after three months’ use in both experimental groups. Effects on loneliness, autonomy and wellbeing could not be observed. Discussion: Our results indicate that seniors are very much able and curious to use modern digital devices if the interface and hardware are adjusted to their needs and capabilities without being stigmatizing. The use of modern communication services and the World Wide Web can promote contact of seniors with their (younger) relatives.
Highlights
Today’s telecommunications are primarily conducted via digital channels (e-mail, WhatsApp, Facetime/Skype, voice message, etc.)
We suggest that SmartCards could possibly function as a low-tech solution to operate complex digital technology
The objectives of the present study were (a) to assess factors that may explain intensity of usage of the SmartCards-Tablet-System and (b) to evaluate whether regular usage of the SmartCards-Tablet-System has an effect on measurements of loneliness, autonomy, cognitive ability and wellbeing
Summary
Today’s telecommunications are primarily conducted via digital channels (e-mail, WhatsApp, Facetime/Skype, voice message, etc.) Those older adults who are used to traditional forms of communication (telephone, postal service) and who lack experience in the use of computers and smartphones may shy away from trying out modern ways of communication [1,2]. The resulting gap between generations, the digital divide, adds to the already existing social isolation of older adults from immediate family members who more often than not live far away [3,4]. Bear the possibility to facilitate social contact between generations They could simplify access to useful information (news, weather, Wikipedia, etc.) and support services (activity monitor, food delivery, medicine reminder, etc.). Older adults sometimes shy away from using modern digital communication devices due to lacking experience and fear of failure. Cognitive ability significantly improved after three months’ use in both experimental groups
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