Exploring older persons use of computer-mediated communication technologies
Date
2013-05-08Author
Ofei-Dodoo, Samuel
Nilsen, Kari M.
Smith, Rachel A.
Advisor
Medvene, Louis J.Metadata
Show full item recordCitation
Ofei-Dodoo, Samuel, Nilsen, Kari and Rachel Smith. 2013. Exploring Older Persons Use of Computer-Mediated Communication Technologies. -- In Proceedings: 9th Annual Symposium: Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University, p.65-66
Abstract
Older persons receiving services in community settings, rather than Nursing Homes, are at risk of social isolation. Computer mediated communication offers technological resources which recipients of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) might use to reduce their social isolation. The present study involved personal interviews with 40 HCBS-customers regarding their interest in communicating with members of their social networks, and using computers. After watching a videotape illustrating PointerWare- an easy-to-use computer interface that allows older persons to communicate with families and friends - 85% said they wanted to use computer to communicate. Current computer users were significantly less lonely than non-users.
Description
Paper presented to the 9th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Marcus Welcome Center, Wichita State University, May 8, 2013.
Research completed at the Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences