Experiential Value of Technologies: A Qualitative Study with Older Adults

Desai, Shital; McGrath, Colleen; McNeil, Heather; Sveistrup, Heidi; McMurray, Josephine; Astell, Arlene

doi:10.3390/ijerph19042235

Cited by 16 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 45 publications

(42 reference statements)

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“…As reported in other studies, they formed an attachment to their smart speakers which became embedded into their daily lives ( Lopatovska and Williams, 2018 ; Ramadan et al, 2021 ). Convenience, including ease of use, along with the emotions they evoke and the identity they reinforce, is important for the experiential value older adults attribute to digital technologies ( Desai et al, 2022 ). In the present study, these older adults all valued their smart speakers after eight weeks of use.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“Like another human being in the room”: a community case study of smart speakers to reduce loneliness in the oldest-old

Astell,

Clayton

2024

Front. Psychol.

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This community case study examined the potential benefits of smart speakers to tackle loneliness in the oldest old adults living in supported accommodation. The program was established as a collaboration between the supported accommodation provider and a technology company to explore the feasibility of smart speakers to alleviate resident loneliness. Loneliness in later life often accompanies a shrinking social circle, loss of a spouse or increased disability. People aged 85 years of age and over are increasingly likely to experience these life events, leading to an increased risk of social isolation and loneliness. Five older people, mean age 90 years of age, who resided in supported accommodation, were given a smart speaker for 8 weeks to examine their experience with the voice assistant. The experiences of the five older adults are explored as case studies, with each person interviewed both before and after receiving the smart speaker. All five valued their smart speaker, recognised its potential for tackling loneliness, and wanted to keep it. The three most lonely individuals reported that their smart speaker made them feel less lonely and isolated through two mechanisms: (i) creating a presence and (ii) having some control over their situation. Although only a small study, these experiences suggest providing smart speakers for lonely and isolated oldest-old people, could be one way to help combat loneliness in community settings.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“Like another human being in the room”: a community case study of smart speakers to reduce loneliness in the oldest-old

Astell,

Clayton

2024

Front. Psychol.

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“…Remember the esthetics —The design of technologies aimed at older adults is often based on a wrong assumption that esthetics do not matter for this user group. However, increasing access to consumer electronics influences the perceptions about technology and people’s expectations and values; older adults are not different [ 41 ]. Furthermore, any device that is meant to become part of an environment should fit into that environment and ideally provide subtle and discreet feedback, as not all users may want to advertise to visitors that they are trying to be more active.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Potential of Technology to Promote Exercise Snacking for Older Adults Who Are Prefrail in the Home Setting: User-Centered Design Study

Stawarz¹,

Liang²,

Alexander³

et al. 2023

JMIR Aging

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Background Older adults are at increased risk of falls, injury, and hospitalization. Maintaining or increasing participation in physical activity during older age can prevent some of the age-related declines in physical functioning that contribute to loss of independence and low reported quality of life. Exercise snacking may overcome some commonly cited barriers to exercise and encourage older adults to engage in muscle strength and balance activity, but the best way to deliver and support this novel format remains unknown. Objective Our aim was to explore how the novel exercise snacking approach, that is, incorporating short bouts of strength and balance activities into everyday routines, could be supported by technology within a home setting and what types of technologies would be acceptable for older adults who are prefrail. Methods Following a user-centered design process, 2 design workshops (study 1) were conducted first to understand older adults’ (n=11; aged 69-89 years) attitudes toward technology aimed at supporting exercise snacking at home and to inform the design of 2 prototypes. Next, based on the findings of study 1, an exploratory pilot study (study 2) was conducted over 1 day with 2 prototypes (n=5; aged 69-80 years) at the participants’ homes. Participants were interviewed over the telephone afterward about their experience. Transcripts were analyzed using framework analysis. Results The results showed that the participants were positive toward using technology at home to support exercise snacking, but both exercises and technology would need to be simple and match the participants’ everyday routines. Workshop discussions (study 1) led to the design of 2 prototypes using a pressure mat to support resistance and balance exercises. The exploratory pilot study (study 2) participants reported the potential in using smart devices to support exercise snacking, but the design of the initial prototypes influenced the participants’ attitudes toward them. It also hampered the acceptability of these initial versions and highlighted the challenges in fitting exercise snacking into everyday life. Conclusions Older adults were positive about using technology in their homes to support strength and balance exercise snacking. However, although promising, the initial prototypes require further refinement and optimization before feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy testing. Technologies to support exercise snacking need to be adaptable and personalized to individuals, to ensure that users are snacking on balance and strengthening exercises that are appropriate for them.

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“…Previous studies focused mainly on older adults’ self-reports on their technology use [ 4 19-26 undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined ]. However, because social support, often provided by family members or health professionals, can overcome gaps between technology and barriers to using it [ 8 ], it is also vital to explore the person’s social environment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Three Perspectives on Older Adults’ Daily Performance, Health, and Technology Use During COVID-19: Focus Group Study

Cohen Elimelech,

Rosenblum,

Tsadok-Cohen

et al. 2024

JMIR Aging

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Background During COVID-19 lockdowns, older adults’ engagement in daily activities was severely affected, causing negative physical and mental health implications. Technology flourished as a means of performing daily activities in this complex situation; however, older adults often struggled to effectively use these opportunities. Despite the important role of older adults’ social environments—including their families and health professionals—in influencing their technology use, research into their unique perspectives is lacking. Objective This study aimed to explore the daily activity performance, health, and technology use experiences of healthy independent Israeli adults (aged ≥65 years) during COVID-19 from a 3-dimensional perspective: older adults, older adults’ family members, and health professionals. Methods Nine online focus groups, averaging 6-7 participants per group, were conducted with older adults, family members, and health professionals (N=59). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and constant comparative methods. Results The intertwining of daily activity performance and health emerged as a central theme, with differences between the groups. Older adults prioritized their self-fulfilling routines based on motivation and choice, especially in social-familial activities. In contrast, family members and health professionals focused on serious physical and mental health COVID-19–related consequences. A consensus among all three groups revealed the meaningful role of technology use during this period in bridging functional limitations. Participants delved into technology’s transformative power, focusing on the need for technology to get engaged in daily activities. Conclusions This study illustrates the profound interplay between daily activity performances, physical and mental health, and technology use, using a 3-dimensional approach. Its focus on technology’s uses and benefits sheds light on what older adults need to increase their technology use. Interventions for improving digital activity performance can be tailored to meet older adults’ needs and preferences by focusing on motivational and preference-related activities.

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Experiential Value of Technologies: A Qualitative Study with Older Adults

Cited by 16 publications

References 45 publications

“Like another human being in the room”: a community case study of smart speakers to reduce loneliness in the oldest-old

“Like another human being in the room”: a community case study of smart speakers to reduce loneliness in the oldest-old

Exploring the Potential of Technology to Promote Exercise Snacking for Older Adults Who Are Prefrail in the Home Setting: User-Centered Design Study

Three Perspectives on Older Adults’ Daily Performance, Health, and Technology Use During COVID-19: Focus Group Study

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