Do computers increase older people’s inclusion and wellbeing?

Pages6-11
Published date14 March 2016
Date14 March 2016
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-11-2015-0041
AuthorSue Holttum
Subject MatterHealth & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion
Do computers increase older peoples
inclusion and wellbeing?
Sue Holttum
Sue Holttum is Senior Lecturer
at Salomons Centre for Applied
Psychology, Canterbury Christ
Church University,
Southborough, UK.
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider two recent studies on computer use by older people,
who may become increasingly isolated due to infirmity and sensory impairments. Older people are less likely
to use computer technology yet it has been suggested that it may help reduce isolation. These studies
inquired into older peoples experience with computers.
Design/methodology/approach The first paper discussedhere explored how a sample of older people in
the USA acquired a computer and whether it contributed to their well-being. The second paper was about a
similar study with a sample of older people in the UK.
Findings In the US sample, people who saw tablet computers being used by a friend were likely to
purchase one. In the UK sample, people seemed to have had to overcome more fears of using computer
technology, but in both samples, once initial difficulties were overcome, people were enthusiastic about using
them. In both, people felt more able to keep up hobbies and interests through finding information or
connecting with interest groups online, and able to keep connected with family members.
Originality/value In light of increasing migration of services and information to the internet, these studies
explored the things that help and hinder older people in terms of using computers, in order to address the
digital divide, whereby those unable to use them can be left isolated and with reduced information and
support. These studies were able to explore personal meanings of computer use and specific fears and
difficulties, which are important to understand in planning for training and support for older people who are
not yet on line. They also demonstrated that, alongside face-to-face interaction, being online was
experienced as reducing peoples isolation and enhancing their lives.
Keywords Older people, Social inclusion, Computer use
Paper type Viewpoint
Two recent studies have each examined older peoples use of computers and new technology,
one set in South Eastern USA and one in the UK. Theauthors of both papers highlightedthe way
that commercialand government-supportedactivities and servicesoperate more and more online,
requiringpeople to have access to a computerand be able to use it. They also pointout how more
people aged 55 and over,compared to younger people, are excludedby not having either access
to a computer or computer skills. This isreferred to as the digital dividebetween those who are
able to be on line and those excluded. Isolation due to reduced mobility and transport is already
known to contributeto poor mental well-being in olderpeople, the papers remind us. Both studies
involved finding out how older people use computer technology and about their experience of it.
The first paper I discuss focused on the experiences of older peoplein retirement communities in
the USA who used a form of tablet computer (iPad or Kindle Fire). The second paper focused on
older people in the UK who had attended a computer class offered by AgeUK.
Older people staying connected in the USA
What stops older people using computers and the internet?
Tsai et al. (2015) begin by discussing the digital divide: those with higher levels of education and
higher income are more likely to use computers and have computer skills, as are those in less
PAG E 6
j
MENTALHEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
j
VOL. 20 NO. 1 2016, pp. 6-11, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 DOI 10.1108/MHSI-11-2015-0041

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