TECHNOLOGY USE AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN RURAL AREAS

Abstract

Relative to urban areas, rural areas in the United States contain a disproportionate number of older adults (65+ years old). Older residents of rural communities are at risk for social isolation, caregiver burden, and lack of access to healthcare and other resources. Modern technology could help address these issues, but studies of technology use among rural seniors are sparse. The current study explored patterns of technology use among 131 adults residing in rural counties across six states (Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas). A majority of the sample was female (73%), with an average age of 76.3 years (range 65–100). Participants completed a telephone survey with questions about demographics, health, social support, and technology. A total of 103 participants (78.6%) stated that they used current technology, including cell phones, texting, email, social media, and video chat, to communicate with adult children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends. Conversely, 28 participants (21.3%) did not use such technology. Logistic regression analyses showed that the likelihood of using technology was significantly associated with being married, younger age, lower depressive symptoms, better self-rated health, and better quality of social support. Of participants who used technology, the average time spent was 6.15 hours per week (SD=6.45), and most felt that it increased their sense of social support (61.1%). These findings suggest that technology may benefit older adults in rural areas, yet a sizeable minority of these seniors do not use technology. Implications for future research and interventions are discussed.