The role of empowering mature and older people’s usage of digital media in enhancing intergenerational communication and family relationships in Bahrain

Abstract

Background: With the proliferation of mobile applications and social networking sites, it became important to give critical thought to the evolution of social realities and dynamics created by technology. Although technology could be perceived as a threat that may disrupt family cohesion and contribute to intergenerational conflict, there may be certain digital settings, contexts, and uses that can create purposeful social interactions and support the exchange of knowledge among older and younger generations. Objective: The main objective of this paper is to mount and evaluate an intergenerational digital interaction campaign that encourages the youth in Bahrain to contribute to the digital inclusion of the elderly by teaching senior adults various technical skills. The ICT literature in the Arab world lacks a comprehensive investigation of technology adoption by the elderly, especially in Bahrain. Aiming to understand how advances in technology are challenging the elderly in Bahrain and seeking to empower them in ICT usage, the research endeavors to understand and change the perceived effects of technology within the family context in Bahrain. Method: This study employs qualitative action-based research and an intergenerational approach that engaged 144 digital media and graphic design students in teaching 144 mature and older people various technological skills in an attempt to suggest and analyse the context in which technology adoption may become beneficial in strengthening familial relationships, and enriching the life quality of older adults in Bahrain. It explores the digital activities that may have a positive impact on social dynamics, by bringing young people and older people together within a digital setting -to communicate, teach, and interact with each other. Results:The findings suggest that intergenerational learning experiences benefited both groups in learning and skill development and led to a positive change in attitude towards the other generation. Conclusion:Overall, the study concludes that intergenerational learning experiences foster a positive attitude among the mature and older participants, and provide opportunities for the youth and older people to communicate and build a common ground of understanding. These and the other findings in the research will allow for understanding the context in which technology adoption and the use of digital media may become beneficial in maintaining and strengthening familial relationships, and enriching the life quality of senior adults in Bahrain. Researchers who are interested in this topic may utilize these findings to expand their understanding of how the digital inclusion of the elderly may enhance intergenerational and family relationships, especially in the Arab world.

Scoping review of intergenerational learning methods for developing digital competence and their outcomes

“…Older adults gained new digital skills [31]. Their ability to use technology increased [19,23,25,26,30,34,[36][37][38] and their eHealth literacy improved [26]. Gaining digital skills fostered older adults' sense of selfefficacy [30,38].…”

“…Their ability to use technology increased [19,23,25,26,30,34,[36][37][38] and their eHealth literacy improved [26]. Gaining digital skills fostered older adults' sense of selfefficacy [30,38]. The methods used improved older adults' attitudes towards technology [23,30], reduced anxiety and technophobia [26,30,36,39], increased their interest in technology [26] and their adaptation to it [23].…”

“…Giving instruction to older adults enhanced young people's mentoring and leadership skills [22][23][24]. They appreciated the experience of teaching digital skills, and developed a stronger sense of themselves as capable of teaching others [19,38]. Intergenerational learning methods provided opportunities to learn from the experience held by older people [19,26,34].…”

“…Intergenerational learning methods connected different generations [24] and improved their connection [19,25]. The methods reduced intergenerational communication barriers [25,34] and enhanced positive communication and interaction between generations [35,38]. Both generations, young and older, valued their one-on-one interaction [28] and repeated meetings with the same partners to deepen the friendships between them [32].…”