1
|
Gallo AM, Laranjeira C, Araújo JP, Marques FRDM, Baccon WC, Salci MA, Carreira L. The experiences of daily smartphone use among older adults in Brazil: A grounded theory analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35120. [PMID: 39161834 PMCID: PMC11332897 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Digital inclusion of older people is an important agenda for the future and well-being of the older population, as it represents a form of social inclusion with significant gains for healthy aging. The present study aimed to understand the experiences of Brazilian older adults who use smartphones and the implications in their daily lives. Method A qualitative study was developed using a constructivist grounded approach. Older people (≥60 years) with prior access to a smartphone were invited to participate in the study. Participation took place through semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously using a constant comparative approach. Data management and analysis used the Atlas.ti® software. Results Overall, 37 older people participated, with an average age of 70.60 ± 6.95 years, predominantly female (n = 33), white (n = 25), married (n = 26) and retired (n = 27). The first sample group included 27 older people with family support and the second group included 10 older people without family support (who lived alone in their homes). A core category emerged from the data analysis-"Expanding the personal and social development of older adults through smartphone communication"-around which three main categories emerged: 1) The smartphone as "a window to the world"; 2) The problem of misinformation and fake news on virtual networks; 3) Technological paradoxes in the use of smartphones. Conclusions The digital transition associated with smartphone use brings unimaginable benefits to older adults who adopt positive habits to improve their well-being and expand their social connections, following efforts proposed by the Decade of Healthy Aging. However, older adults still face disparities and experience a significant digital divide, which represents a major challenge. Barriers to access are further aggravated in developing countries. We hope this study contributes to public health policies on digital inclusion and healthy aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Martins Gallo
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos Laranjeira
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto Do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901, Leiria, Portugal
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 5, Rua Das Olhalvas, 2414-016 Leiria, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7000- 801 Évora, Portugal
| | - Juliane Pagliari Araújo
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR-445, Km 380 - Campus Universitário, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | | | - Wanessa Cristina Baccon
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Aparecida Salci
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Lígia Carreira
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Baek J, Kim H, Choi S, Hong S, Kim Y, Kim E, Lee T, Chu SH, Choi J. Digital Literacy and Associated Factors in Older Adults Living in Urban South Korea: A Qualitative Study. Comput Inform Nurs 2024; 42:226-239. [PMID: 38300124 DOI: 10.1097/cin.0000000000001109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore digital literacy among community-dwelling older adults in urban South Korea. A semistructured interview guide was developed using the Digital Competence ( 2.0 framework, which emphasizes the competencies for full digital participation in five categories: information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, content creation, safety, and problem-solving. The data were analyzed using combined inductive and deductive content analysis. Inductive analysis identified three main categories: perceived ability to use digital technology, responses to digital technology, and contextual factors. In the results of deductive analysis, participants reported varying abilities in using digital technologies for information and data literacy, communication or collaboration, and problem-solving. However, their abilities were limited in handling the safety or security of digital technology and lacked in creating digital content. Responses to digital technology contain subcategories of perception (positive or negative) and behavior (trying or avoidance). Regarding contextual factors, aging-related physical and cognitive changes were identified as barriers to digital literacy. The influence of families or peers was viewed as both a facilitator and a barrier. Our participants recognized the importance of using digital devices to keep up with the trend of digitalization, but their digital literacy was mostly limited to relatively simple levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Baek
- Author Affiliations: Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Nursing (Drs Baek, H. Kim, S. Choi, Lee, Chu, and J. Choi); Yonsei University College of Nursing (Drs H. Kim, Lee, Chu, and J. Choi); Yonsei University College of Nursing and Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project (Drs S. Choi and Hong, and Ms Y. Kim); and Department of Nursing, Korean Bible University (Dr. Hong), Seoul; College of Nursing, Eulji University (Dr E. Kim), Gyeonggi-do; and Yonsei University Institute for Innovation in Digital Healthcare (Dr J. Choi), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Morrison BA, Nicholson J, Wood B, Briggs P. Life after lockdown: The experiences of older adults in a contactless digital world. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1100521. [PMID: 36710727 PMCID: PMC9880547 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The digital response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its effects on the lives of older adults has been well-documented, but less is known about how they experienced the post-lockdown re-emergence into a relatively contactless digital society. Methods We report the findings from a qualitative survey (n = 93) and subsequent interviews (n = 9) with older adults aged 50+, where they describe their struggles with some of the newly implemented digital interactions. These struggles cover a range of settings but include using contactless payments, QR codes and apps to facilitate transactions in cafes, bars, and restaurants. Results A thematic analysis of our data revealed the intrinsic (e.g. digital literacy) and extrinsic (e.g. malfunctioning technology) factors that limited social inclusion for these participants, and that sometimes even led to moments of public humiliation. Discussion Our findings shed light on some of the motivational factors that underpin the age-related digital divide, whilst also highlighting the role of self-directed agism in limiting motivations to learn new digital routines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A. Morrison
- Psychology and Communication Technology Lab, Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Benjamin A. Morrison, ✉
| | - James Nicholson
- Psychology and Communication Technology Lab, Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Becca Wood
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Pam Briggs
- Psychology and Communication Technology Lab, Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sheahan J, Hjorth L, Figueiredo B, Martin DM, Reid M, Aleti T, Buschgens M. Co-Creating ICT Risk Strategies with Older Australians: A Workshop Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:52. [PMID: 36612373 PMCID: PMC9819817 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As digital inclusion becomes a growing indicator of wellbeing in later life, the ability to understand older adults' preferences for information and communication technologies (ICTs) and develop strategies to support their digital literacy is critical. The barriers older adults face include their perceived ICT risks and capacity to learn. Complexities, including ICT environmental stressors and societal norms, may require concerted engagement with older adults to achieve higher digital literacy competencies. This article describes the results of a series of co-design workshops to develop strategies for increased ICT competencies and reduced perceived risks among older adults. Engaging older Australians in three in-person workshops (each workshop consisting of 15 people), this study adapted the "Scenario Personarrative Method" to illustrate the experiences of people with technology and rich pictures of the strategies seniors employ. Through the enrichment of low-to-high-digital-literacy personas and mapping workshop participant responses to several scenarios, the workshops contextualized the different opportunities and barriers seniors may face, offering a useful approach toward collaborative strategy development. We argued that in using co-designed persona methods, scholars can develop more nuance in generating ICT risk strategies that are built with and for older adults. By allowing risks to be contextualized through this approach, we illustrated the novelty of adapting the Scenario Personarrative Method to provide insights into perceived barriers and to build skills, motivations, and strategies toward enhancing digital literacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Sheahan
- School of Design, College of Design and Social Context, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Larissa Hjorth
- School of Media and Communications, College of Design and Social Context, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Bernardo Figueiredo
- School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, College of Business, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Diane M. Martin
- School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, College of Business, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Mike Reid
- School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, College of Business, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Torgeir Aleti
- School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, College of Business, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Mark Buschgens
- School of Marketing and Management, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Exploring Age and Gender Differences in ICT Cybersecurity Behaviour. HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/2693080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Known age differences exist in relation to information and communication technology (ICT) use, attitudes, access, and literacy. Less is known about age differences in relation to cybersecurity risks and associated cybersecurity behaviours. Using an online survey, this study analyses data from 579 participants to investigate age differences across four key cybersecurity behaviours: device securement, password generation, proactive checking, and software updating. Significant age differences were found; however, this is not a straightforward relationship. Older users appear less likely to secure their devices compared to younger users; however, the reverse was found for the other behaviours, with older users appearing more likely to generate secure passwords and show proactive risk awareness and regularly install updates. Gender was not a significant predictor of security behaviour (although males scored higher for self-reported computer self-efficacy and general resilience). Self-efficacy was identified as a mediator between age and three of the cybersecurity behaviours (password generation, proactive checking, and updating). General resilience was also a significant mediator for device securement, password generation, and updating; however, resilience acted as a moderator for proactive checking. Implications of these findings are twofold: firstly, helping to guide the development of training and interventions tailored to different cybersecurity behaviours and secondly informing cybersecurity policy development.
Collapse
|
6
|
Desai S, McGrath C, McNeil H, Sveistrup H, McMurray J, Astell A. Experiential Value of Technologies: A Qualitative Study with Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042235. [PMID: 35206435 PMCID: PMC8872025 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the experiences of older adults with technologies they own and determined how they value them. Thirty-seven older adults participated in a Show and Tell co-creation session at a one-day workshop. Participants described why they loved or abandoned technologies they own. Their responses were recorded and analysed using Atlas.ti 22.0.0. Seven main themes representing experiential value in older adults emerged from the analysis: Convenience, Economy, Learning and Support, Currency of Technology, Privacy and Security, Emotions and Identity aspects of their experiences. This qualitative study has resulted in implications to design that recommends (a) Design for product ecosystems with technologies and services well-coordinated and synchronized to facilitate use of the technology (b) Create awareness and information on privacy and security issues and technical language associated with it (c) Make anti-virus and anti-phishing software accessible to older population (d) Design technologies as tools that allow older adults to identify themselves in the community and family (e) Create services that make technologies and services in the ecosystem affordable for the older adults. The outcomes of this study are significant as they provide recommendations that target systemic issues which present barriers in the use of technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shital Desai
- Social and Technological Systems Lab, School of Arts Media Performance and Design, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-736-5885
| | - Colleen McGrath
- School of Occupational Therapy, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
| | - Heather McNeil
- SE Research Centre, SE Health, Markham, ON L3R 6H3, Canada;
| | - Heidi Sveistrup
- School of Rehabilitation Services, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - Josephine McMurray
- Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C7, Canada;
| | - Arlene Astell
- Department of Occupational Sciences & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada;
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 2A2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Age and Gender Impact on Password Hygiene. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12020894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Password hygiene plays an essential part in securing systems protected with single-factor authentication. A significant fraction of security incidents happen due to weak or reused passwords. The reasons behind differences in security vulnerable behaviour between various user groups remains an active research topic. The paper aims to identify the impact of age and gender on password strength using a large password dataset. We recovered previously hashed passwords of 102,120 users from a leaked customer database of a car-sharing company. Although the measured effect size was small, males significantly had stronger passwords than females for all age groups. Males aged 26–45 were also significantly different from all other groups, and password complexity decreased with age for both genders equally. Overall, very weak password hygiene was observed, 72% of users based their password on a word or used a simple sequence of digits, and passwords of over 39% of users were found in word lists of previous leaks.
Collapse
|