Older Adults Everyday Technology Use During COVID-19: Three-Dimensional Perspective

Abstract

Purpose: To examine older adults' experiences of using technology for daily activities during COVID-19, from a three-dimensional perspective.

Method: Nine virtual focus groups, comprising six to seven participants each, were conducted with older adults, family members, and health professionals (N=59). Data was analyzed using constant comparative methods and thematic analysis.

Results and Discussion: Participants of all three focus groups depict technology as an integral part of older adults' daily lives. Yet, in some circumstances, older adults prefer to physically go out and conduct activities in the traditional “face-to-face” way in the community. This sentiment was notably highlighted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where older adults emphasized their deep yearning for human connections, underscoring the importance of social activities in their lives. When it came to high-meaning activities, older adults found ways to conduct them using technology, despite the challenges.

Health professionals acknowledge the various functions of technology in older adults' daily activities, determining their willingness to use it. In accordance they categorize activities into 3 domains: (1) health-related tasks (e.g. utilizing health insurance applications); (2) routine errands (e.g. shopping and managing bank accounts); (3) activities geared towards addressing loneliness or social- leisure activities (e.g. video conferencing and online games). This differentiation enables a deeper understanding of the unique contribution of technology to older adult’s lives.

Conclusions: Study findings bring a broad three-perspective view of older adults’ motives of using technologies. Older adults choose to use technology especially in meaningful activities and in ways that support their weekly routine as a whole. In the design of effective interventions for the aging population it is essential to address the complex interplay between older adults, the technology they use, and their daily routines. These findings may be relevant to other stressful situations, wherein technology plays a crucial role in facilitating daily activities, such as war or various health conditions.