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‘Although we're isolated, we're not really isolated’: The value of information and communication technology for older people in rural Australia
Author(s) -
Berg Turi,
Winterton Rachel,
Petersen Maree,
Warburton Jeni
Publication year - 2017
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.12449
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , information and communications technology , aged care , rural area , qualitative research , service (business) , older people , icts , isolation (microbiology) , social isolation , public relations , gerontology , business , psychology , sociology , medicine , political science , marketing , world wide web , computer science , social science , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology , psychotherapist , biology
Objective Drawing from a larger study that identified the supports and services that facilitate wellness among older people from rural communities, this study examined the specific contribution made by information and communication technology ( ICT ). Methods Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 60 older adults from six Australian rural areas. A preliminary thematic analysis was conducted, followed by a higher‐order inductive analysis. Results Information and communication technology use was discussed in terms of individual enrichment, and in terms of enabling connections between the individual and their social networks, community and wider service environments. Conclusion Information and communication technologies may facilitate wellness for rural older people by compensating for geographical and social isolation. In the changing world of health and aged care service delivery, ICT s will be more important than ever for rural older people in building their capacity to access the services, socialisation and support that they need, regardless of location.