Older people VS tech engagement

OLDER adults are becoming increasingly digitally engaged, but many feel overwhelmed by the pace of technological change and struggle to keep up.

Dr Jeanie Beh and Professor Sonja Pedell from Swinburne suggest that a key to helping older adults adopt technology is to tap into their interests and hobbies.

This provides a positive motivation for them to learn and see the benefits of technology. For example, an older adult interested in travel can use websites to compare airfare prices and negotiate with their travel agent, boosting their confidence in using technology.

The research highlights the need for a curriculum that caters to older adults’ learning requirements, which are different from those of younger users.

To help older adults become more digitally savvy, the authors recommend: building on their interests and life experiences, mastering basic tablet interactions, applying learning in a real-world context, repeating tasks in practice, and providing a peer-supported environment.

It is also important to communicate with older adults about what they want and need from technology, and to provide meaningful and positive experiences during the learning process.