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Toward a typology of technology users: How older people experience technology's potential for active aging

Abstract

This paper outlines an emerging typology of older users of information and communication technology (ICT) to facilitate active aging. Through inductive data analysis from focus groups, iterative workshops, and personal interviews, we suggest three types of technology users. These types are “the Excluded,” “the Entertained,” and “the Networker.” Clearly, ICT offers several benefits to those who are enthusiastic and frequent users, exemplified as the Entertained and the Networker. Hence, our findings support the notion of technology as a tool to maintain or increase an older person's engagement and activity level. Conversely, for those reluctant, uninterested, or incapable of using ICT, such potentials are limited and imply fewer opportunities for participation in activities.

Category

Academic article

Client

  • Regional Research Fund Innlandet / 217609

Language

English

Author(s)

  • Edith L Roth Gjevjon
  • Tone Øderud
  • Gro Hilde Wensaas
  • Anne Moen

Affiliation

  • University of Oslo
  • SINTEF Digital / Health Research
  • Bærum kommune

Year

2014

Published in

Studies in Health Technology and Informatics

ISSN

0926-9630

Publisher

IOS Press

Volume

201

Page(s)

25 - 31

View this publication at Cristin