A randomized controlled trial of the psychosocial impact of providing internet training and access to older adults

Abstract

The Internet (electronic mail and the World Wide Web) may provide new opportunities for communication that can help older adults avoid social isolation. This randomized controlled trial assessed the psychosocial impact of providing Internet access to older adults over a five-month period. One hundred volunteers from four congregate housing sites and two nursing facilities were randomly assigned to receive Internet training or to a wait list control group. The pre & post measures included the UCLA Loneliness scale, modified CES Depression scale, a measure of locus of control, computer attitudes, number of confidants, and overall quality of life. Participants received nine hours of small group training in six sessions over two weeks. Computers were available for continued use over five months and the trainer was available two hours/week for questions. At the end of the trial, 60% of the intervention group continued to use the Internet on a weekly basis. Although there was a trend toward decreased loneliness and depression in intervention subjects compared to controls, there were no statistically significant changes from baseline to the end of trial between groups. Among Internet users (n = 29) in the intervention group there were trends toward less loneliness, less depression, more positive attitudes toward computers, and more confidants than among intervention recipients who were not regular users (n = 19) of this technology. Most elderly participants in this trial learned to use the Internet and the majority continued to use it on a weekly basis. The psychosocial impact of Internet use in this sample suggested trends in a positive direction. Further research is needed to determine more precisely, which older adults, residing in which environmental contexts are more likely than others to benefit from this rapidly expanding information and communication link.

Study of Senior Citizens Learning Performance in Taiwan

“…Through the above research, we can see that there is a positive influence in terms of life quality satisfaction and happiness when the senior experiences the process of using information technology techniques (Adams, Stubbs, & Woods, 2005;Blazun, Saranto, & Rissanen, 2012;White, McConnell, Clipp, Branch, Sloane, & Pieper, 2002).…”

“…Furthermore, according to the gender differences in the research of seniors using Internet and e-mail, males tend to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) more frequently than females do (Koopman-Boyden & Reid, 2009). From the above researches, it is inferred that positive influence in life quality satisfaction and happiness yielding do exist when the senior experience the process of using the information technology techniques (Adams, Stubbs, & Woods, 2005;Blazun, Saranto, & Rissanen, 2012;White, McConnell, Clipp, Branch, Sloane, & Pieper, 2002). Besides, senior who uses information technology tools can enhance family relationship, society participation and motivation, and self-confidence and dignity.…”

Quality of life: conceptual challenges in exploring the role of ICT in active ageing

“…Two studies (White et al, 1999;White et al, 2002) by White, widely cited as providing evidence that computer use reduces loneliness, probably lend more support to the argument that training and interaction are the most important aspects of the interventions. In the first study (White et al, 1999) participants had two weeks of training in computer use, well supported by a group of researchers and volunteers, and were encouraged to work together in groups.…”

Inclusão Digital de Pessoas Idosas: Um Estudo de Caso utilizando Computadores Desktop e Tablets

“…Diversas pesquisas apontam os benefícios que essa inclusão traz à vida dessas pessoas: a interação (Opalinski, 2001), melhora do estado de depressão (White et al, 2002), aumento da confiança (Alexy, 2000) e aumento da sensação de bem-estar (Dickinson & Greogor, 2006), entre outros. Ford e Ford (2009), Cotten et al (2012), Ballantyne et al (2010),Sales, (2007 ;Sales et.…”