Effects of digital engagement on the quality of life of older people

Abstract

What is known about this topic• Some research indicates that older people's use of email and Skype positively affects their quality of life (QOL) by enabling them to keep in touch with friends and relatives.• Research suggests mobile phone ownership can have a positive effect on older people's sense of safety and security. What this paper adds• The empirical evidence demonstrates that the effects of older people's use of ICT, for both mainstream and remote care purposes, on different domains of AbstractIt is often asserted that older people's quality of life (QOL) is improved when they adopt information and communication technology (ICT) such as the Internet, mobile phones and computers. Similar assumptions are made about older people's use of ICT-based care such as telecare and telehealth. To examine the evidence around these claims, we conducted a scoping review of the academic and grey literature, coving the period between January 2007 and August 2014. A framework analysis approach, based on six domains of QOL derived from the ASCOT and WHOQOL models, was adopted to deductively code and analyse relevant literature. The review revealed mixed results. Older people's use of ICT in both mainstream and care contexts has been shown to have both positive and negative impacts on several aspects of QOL. Studies which have rigorously assessed the impact of older people's use of ICT on their QOL mostly demonstrate little effect. A number of qualitative studies have reported on the positive effects for older people who use ICT such as email or Skype to keep in touch with family and friends. Overall, the review unearthed several inconsistencies around the effects of older people's ICT use on their QOL, suggesting that implicit agreement is needed on the best research methods and instrumentation to adequately describe older people's experiences in today's digital age. Moreover, the available evidence does not consider the large number of older people who do not use ICT and how non-use affects QOL.

‘Although we're isolated, we're not really isolated’: The value of information and communication technology for older people in rural Australia

“…ICTs can also help to engage people with their communities by encouraging participation and providing access to information and services. This provides control, choice and convenience to rural older people .…”

“…Most research on older people's use of ICT has focused on urban areas and examines factors such as prevalence and impact of use, barriers to use and ways to improve engagement . Information and communication technologies influence the lives of urban older people by strengthening social networks and reducing social isolation ; improving cognitive abilities and psychological well‐being ; and providing greater independence and self‐efficacy . While ICT also facilitates access to information and services , those aged over 80 years are more likely to have negative experiences with ICT .…”

“…While ICT also facilitates access to information and services , those aged over 80 years are more likely to have negative experiences with ICT . Furthermore, links between ICT and wellness are inconclusive, with research suggesting the impact of ICT use is unknown or not related to well‐being .…”

Doing Age in a Digitized World—A Material Praxeology of Aging With Technology

“…Numerous studies have shown positive correlations between internet use and subjective wellbeing (Choi et al, 2012;Forsman and Nordmyr, 2015;Damant et al, 2016), pointing to the fact that engagement in new technologies might be of importance for successful and active aging.…”

Digital Access in Working-Age and Older Adults and Their Caregivers Attending Psychiatry Outpatient Clinics: Quantitative Survey (Preprint)

“…Respondents in our study also valued digital communication with our services. However, a recurring theme is service users' concern that implementing technology may be used as an excuse to reduce services, and in particular face to face contact [13], [14] although some studies suggest social benefits [15] .…”