The elderly are amongst the most vulnerable of the British population. For these senior citizens their retirement years should be a time in life where they can look forward to relaxing and perhaps taking the opportunity to do things that they have always wanted to do. For some, however, the later years of life are spent in poverty, ill health and social isolation. It is difficult to combat the issue of social exclusion and isolation especially if the elderly person is housebound; in cases like this access to a computer and the internet could perhaps make a difference to the physical and mental well being of the person.
There are however some barriers to computer and internet usage for the elderly, Marquie et al (2002) implies that there is an element of stereo typing and prejudice where technology and the elderly are concerned. It is expected that the elderly person will be fearful of technology, will be slow to learn and find certain tasks or applications difficult to use, particularly if there are problems with vision,language or dexterity. Kiel (2005) however argues that although ageing can cause slower reaction time and perception, the ability to learn is an issue of educational background and confidence not age. Given the correct style of training the elderly can learn to accomplish many computer based tasks.
Mellor et al (2008) suggests that the elderly benefit from one to one based training with easy access to assistance should any complications arise, failure to resolve any issues can lead to frustration and loss of confidence for the elderly participant. It is also important that any written material provided to support the training is easy to understand and in plain English, otherwise full benefit will not be gained from the training.
One of the most useful computer based applications for the elderly to learn to use is the internet. Shapria et al (2007) claims that
“The internet can enhance the quality of life for older people, Internet based communication is convenient and affordable, involvement in various online activities can improve self worth and confidence in the elderly” (pp 477).
Social isolation is a common concept for the elderly but having access to the internet can open up a whole new world; through the internet it is possible to communicate with friends and family across the globe. In some cases it enables people to make new friends and discover new past times or recover old ones. The internet can also be used as a tool to access a whole assortment of different useful information such as advice on benefits, health, issues relating to old age and even shopping.
In a study by Bradley & Poppen (2003) results indicated that the elderly participants who took part in the CHIPS (computers for Homebound and Isolated Persons) trial did so with positive results. Some of the participants found that they were able to communicate with others more effectively through the use of a computer and some of the elderly people who participated found they felt more compelled to leave the house and actively engage in the community more often.
Shapira et al (2005) also discovered positive results with their study, the elderly participants felt less depressed, isolated and reported overall a general sense of satisfaction. Mellor et al (2008) found that older people who undertook computer training and learned how to access the internet also reported the benefits of being able to communicate with family and friends through e mail. Also the access to online services, local news, shopping sites and sites relating to interests became an important feature in every day life for the elderly computer users. Some participants even remarked that their new computer hobby has given them a talking point; this was especially useful when communicating with members of a younger generation.
Mellor et al (2005) however did uncover some negative results in their study, some of the participants did not complete their computer training course as they felt unable to follow the instructions given and any problems that occurred became a barrier to further participation. Some of the elderly people taking part in the trail reported that they did not feel more socially connected and that the computer was of little use to them as none of their friends had access to a computer so they could not communicate with them by e mail. Others felt that although the computer and internet had enhanced their social connectivity it was not a good substitute for human companionship.
Although none of the studies found any improvement in physical wellbeing, there was, in some cases, a marked improvement on mental wellbeing and general happiness. Learning to use a computer and internet access does seem to give the elderly a sense of empowerment to make their own choices through being able to access relevant information. The internet and email can be used to overcome barriers to communication and social isolation. The number of elderly people or ‘silver surfers’ using the internet is steadily increasing, this has also given rise to a number of sites catering especially for their needs. There are online advice sites, shopping, chat rooms and even dating sites all designed with the elderly in mind. If we can encourage the elderly to embrace technology there really is a whole new world awaiting them.
Sharon Knott
