Exploring Community Inclusion in Older Adulthood through the use of Computers and

Tablets

By: Kelly Leonard, M.A. Candidate, Concordia University

Agenda

1.  Introduction 2.  Rationale 3.  Background Information 4.  Research Methodology 5.  Findings 6.  Discussion 7.  Conclusion

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Rationale

§  Older adults make up the fastest growing segment in the North American population (MacNeil & Gould, 2012)

§  Only 25% of older adults are online, which 13% of those ages 65 and older reported using social networks (Madden, 2010)

§  “The only way citizens can be involved in their community is when they venture outside of the house and into the public” (Kingwell, 2000)

§  Key factors that influence social capital and community inclusion is being healthy and independent. (Hebblethwaite & Pedlar, 2005)

Background

Computers and tablets can… §  Help with coping regarding the combination of retirement and the

distance from the culture of origin and a former social network (Khvorostianov et al., 2012)

§  Good source of information, entertainment, and can offer an abundance of information regarding community and volunteer organizations (Nimrod, 2009)

§  Means of communication, an opportunity to meet new people, and keep up-to-date with modern times (Sourbati, 2009)

§  Opportunity to engage in social contact and receive social support (Leist, 2013)

§  Meeting some older adults needs (Nimrod, 2009) §  Strengthen self-image and self-confidence (Nimrod, 2009) §  Lower levels of loneliness and social isolation among older adults in

assisted and independent living communities (Cotten, Anderson, & McCullough, 2012)

Research Question 1

“How can computers and tablets assist older adults with community

engagement?”

Background Volunteering in older adulthood §  An activity that engages with the community §  Provides a sense of belonging §  Increase self-esteem §  Meaningful leisure experience (Snyder & Clary, 2004) Online volunteering §  Online volunteering provides multiple benefits for older adults

(Mukherjee, 2011) §  44% forty-four percent of the older adults participants reported

having a chronic illnesses (Mukherjee, 2011)

§  Online volunteering compensates for health limitations §  Increases social capital (Mukherjee, 2011)

Retrieved from: http://www.volunteerweekly.org/the-rise-of-microvolunteering/

Research Question 2

“Can online volunteering foster community engagement?”

Research Methodology

§  Semi-structured interviews; 20-60 minutes each §  6 therapeutic recreation practitioners

§  5 in clinical-based settings §  1 in community-based setting

§  4 volunteer coordinators §  3 non-profit organizations §  1 volunteer bureau

§  5 Older Adults §  All identified as being socially isolated

§  Grounded Theory

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Coding Example

Applying Research Methods Into Practice with Computers and Tablets Zoom to conduct online focus group

Strengths Challenges

Can record the conversation Coordination

Wide Group of People Trouble Shooting

Convenient Technical Issues

Cost Efficient for the Participant Monthly subscription

For more information about Zoom visit: https://zoom.us/

Other Research Methodology Strategies Using Computers/Tablets §  Track client/patient progress using applications

§  Setting up an account

§  Ask for feedback at the beginning and throughout the programs using email

§  Survey Monkey

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Findings

How to engage Older Adults in the Community with Computers & Tablets

§  Continuing Education §  Online Discussion Groups §  Intergenerational Interactions

Retrieved from: http://actproject.ca/act/netnography-of-grandmothers-use-of-facebook/

What is preventing older adults from using computers and tablets?

§  Cost §  No Interest §  Lack of Knowledge

Retrieved from: http://actproject.ca/act/older-peoples-emotional-interactive-experiences-through-a-citizen-science-lens/

Online Volunteering = Community Engagement?

Yes, but there are many challenges and barriers to overcome such as: §  Privacy & Confidentiality Issues §  Hospital Barriers §  Lack of Financial Resources §  Lack of Time to create new programs or to learn new programs §  No Wi-Fi Available for Patients/Clients §  Logistical Issues during program implementation

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Discussion

Strategies for Community Engagement

•  Provide transferable skills when teaching patients/clients how to use the computer and tablet

•  Use Skype to connect patients/clients with family and friends •  Provide online support groups for patients/clients upon

discharge •  Help patients/clients transition from hospital to nursing home by

showing them pictures and the location using Google Maps •  Use the devices to provide simulation and motivation through

the use of games on the tablet •  Do not force technology on the patients/clients •  Engage in technology if it is personally meaningful

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Computer and Tablet Programs •  Digital Book Club •  Brain HQ •  Online Discussion Groups •  Virtual Lectures •  Board & Card Games •  Luminosity •  Face Time & Skype •  Use YouTube to facilitate programs such as

•  Exercise •  Zen Tangle •  Yoga •  Zumba •  Music

Conclusion

§  Technology has been identified as a leisure interest for many older adults

§  Older Adults are lacking the knowledge technological skills §  Therapeutic Recreation practitioners teach older adults these

essential skills §  Develop meaningful programs that enhance older adults sense

of community §  More evidence based research is needed in regards to

computer and tablet programming §  How to address challenges and barriers with incorporating computers and

tablets into practice

References 1.  Cotten, S. R., Anderson, W. a., & McCullough, B. M. (2012). Impact of ICT use on loneliness and

contact with others among older adults. Gerontechnology, 11(2), 161. 2.  Hebblethwaite, S., & Pedlar, A. (2005). Community integration for older adults with mental health

issues: Implications for therapeutic recreation. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 39(4), 264–276. 3.  Khvorostianov, N., Elias, N., & Nimrod, G. (2012). “Without it I am nothing”: The internet in the

lives of older immigrants. New Media & Society, 14(4), 583–599. 4.  Kingwell, M. (2000). The world we want: Virtues, vice, and the good citizen. Toronto: Viking

Press. 5.  Leist, A. K. (2013). Social media use of older adults: A mini-review. Gerontology, 59(4), 378–384. 6.  Madden, M. (2010). Social networking use among those ages 50 and older nearly doubled over

the past year. Pew Internet and American Life Project. 7.  MacNeil, R., & Gould, D. (2012). Global perspectives on leisure and aging. In H. Gibson & J.

Singleton (Eds.), Leisure and aging: Theory and practice (pp. 3–22). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics

8.  Nimrod, G. (2009). The internet as a resource in older adults’ leisure. International Journal on Disability and Human Development, 8(3), 207–214.

9.  Snyder, M., & Clary, E. G. (2004). Volunteerism and the generative society. Washington: American Psychological Association

10.  Sourbati, M. (2009). “It could be useful, but not for me at the moment”: older people, internet access and e-public service provision. New Media & Society, 11(7), 1083–1100.

Thank You!

Questions?