Connecting at Local Level: Exploring Opportunities for Future Design of Technology to Support Social Connections in Age-friendly Communities

Abstract

Social connectedness in later life is an important dimension of an age-friendly community, with associated implications for individual health and wellbeing. In contrast with prior efforts focusing on connections at a distance or online communities where the digital technology is the interface, we explore the design opportunities and role of technology for connectedness within a geographically local community context. We present findings from interviews with 22 older adults and a linked ideation workshop. Our analysis identified shared concerns and negative perceptions around local relationships, connections and characteristics of the geographical area. However, local connectedness through technology was largely absent from day-to-day life and even perceived as contributing to disconnection. By uncovering how older adults use and perceive technology in their social lives and combining these findings with their ideas for improving local connections, we highlight the need for thoughtful consideration of the role of technology in optimising social connections within communities. Our research highlights a need for design work to understand the specifics of the local context and reduce emphasis on technology as the interface between people. We introduce an amended definition—‘underpinned by a commitment to respect and social inclusion, an age-friendly community is engaged in a strategic and ongoing process to facilitate active ageing by optimising the community’s physical, social and digital environments and its supporting infrastructure’—to conceptualise our approach. We conclude by suggesting areas for future work in developing digitally connected age-friendly communities.

A Commentary on Blue Zones®: A Critical Review of Age-Friendly Environments in the 21st Century and Beyond

“…For example, incorporating the Power of 9 into the framework suggested by Marston and van Hoof [ 48 ] may be a way to address the inadequacies of the checklists as they are currently presented and to integrate diversity more fully from a variety of perspectives. This future work should be theoretically underpinned by life course theory [ 76 ] and implementing an action research approach [ 77 ] to ensure all voices and narratives are considered.…”

“…As a starting point, we propose that the AFCC survey could be complemented by qualitative data collections such as diaries, fieldtrips, first-hand accounts, interviews, and observations, taking an action research approach [ 77 ] to ensure a positive impact upon the respective regions as noted by Marston and colleagues [ 68 ]. However, it is possible that the AFCC survey [ 78 ] may have to be adapted to accommodate the differing facets of the Blue Zones ® regions.…”

“…Previously, we recommended the implementation of a life course perspective [ 76 ], an approach that facilitates researchers, policymakers, educators, students, and communities to view solutions through the lens of personal experiences, and historical events that narrate the story of a “personal biography” [ 76 ]. In conjunction with participatory action research [ 77 ] approaches, and by implementing universal design principles [ 82 ], these methodological approaches will afford scholars to capture and complement future qualitative data collection and narratives from all citizens, not just older people.…”

“…Extensive fieldwork encompassing a mixed methods approach is needed to achieve these great strides in this domain and as highlighted by Liddle et al [ 77 ], who purports that localised community engagement is needed to fully understand the specific needs, challenges, barriers, and enablers to social connections, using a bottom-up approach.…”

“…Primarily, Reuter and colleagues [ 88 ] focus on two domains featured in the WHO age-friendly framework: 1. communication and information, and 2. civic participation. Furthermore, Marston and colleagues [ 68 ] propose implementing universal design principles [ 82 ] which, if combined with participatory action research [ 77 ] while instilling a bottom-up approach, has the potential to understand the needs, perceptions, expectations, requirements, and impacts of incorporating facets from existing age-friendly frameworks [ 3 , 48 ].…”