Smartphone use by older people in German-speaking countries: A qualitative systematic literature review

Abstract

Background: In recent decades, smartphones have become ubiquitous tools in Germany. Despite the increase in smartphone use, there is a digital divide between young and old smartphone users.Objective: This study aimed to determine how German-speaking senior citizens use smartphones. Method:The authors performed a qualitative systematic literature search. The following databases were used: MEDLINE, CHINAL, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, GeroLit, and ERIC. The following inclusion criteria were defined: (i) research groups over 60, (ii) Germanspeaking research regions, and (iii) publications since 2007. Results: In German-speaking countries, 21 publications on smartphone use were found. Eleven publications were published in Germany, four in Austria, and four in Switzerland. Two publications compared smartphone use in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. A further novel finding is that based on Mayring's qualitative content analysis, the following main categories were formed:(i) General and Application Usage; (ii) Learning and Inclusion; (iii) Health Assessment and Corona Pandemic. Conclusion:Based on the available research, it can be inferred that in some countries, the 60+ age group does not use smartphones as much. Despite this, Switzerland has more healthy smartphone users.