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Using a smartphone application (App) to assist older adults to navigate their local area during extreme weather events and changing environmental conditions: A qualitative study
Author(s) -
Wilson Leigh Ann,
O’Loughlin Kate,
Hector Robyn,
Black Deborah
Publication year - 2021
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.12858
Subject(s) - mobile apps , usability , focus group , negotiation , smartphone app , extreme weather , psychology , smartphone application , applied psychology , gerontology , internet privacy , computer science , business , medicine , multimedia , world wide web , human–computer interaction , sociology , climate change , marketing , ecology , biology , social science
Objective To explore the views of those in later life on the usability of a smartphone application (app) which could assist in negotiating the external environment, particularly during extreme weather and local environmental changes. Methods Seven adults aged over 55 years (four women, three men) living in Sydney, Australia, participated in focus groups. Responses were analysed thematically. Results The findings demonstrate older adults would use a reliable and relevant app to assist in accessing their external environment if it could provide assistance with accurate, up‐to‐date transport options, road closures, community events and weather. Conclusion If relevant, in real time and locally focussed adults aged over 55 could find value in a mobile app to assist them to navigate their external environment. These results suggest an age‐friendly, specifically designed app will have an impact on accessibility to the local environment with the potential to lead to increased walking and social engagement.