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Access to mobile communications by older people
Author(s) -
Nguyen Toan,
Irizarry Carol,
Garrett Rob,
Downing Andrew
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12149
Subject(s) - independent living , internet privacy , psychology , mobile technology , older people , mobile device , medical education , applied psychology , computer science , multimedia , medicine , gerontology , world wide web
Aim To investigate how older people effectively identify, select and learn to use mobile communications technologies to enhance communication and safety, and support independent living. Methods One hundred and fifty‐three older S outh A ustralians participated in a purpose‐designed survey questionnaire. Results Older people relied on family and friends for information and advice (76%), and their children's assistance with buying (45%) and learning to use (48%) new technology. The most preferred learning method was face‐to‐face training (56%). Less than half (44%) were interested in trying out new designs/applications, functions and capabilities that could assist with independent living. The highest need was for personal security and emergencies (88%). Conclusions Findings suggest that the family and friends of older people play an important role in identifying, selecting and learning to use mobile communication technologies. The safety and emergency capabilities of mobile communications technologies were more important than having functions that could assist with independent living.