Searching for Connection
Authors:   , Blok Marije 
Published: September 2024

Over the years, information and communication technologies (ICTs) have added an increasing number of opportunities into various aspects of our daily lives. ICTs, for instance, provide novel alternatives for initiating and maintaining relationships, or for facilitating everyday activities that were traditionally conducted offline, such as banking, shopping, or managing civic affairs. However, older adults tend to benefit relatively little from the potential of ICTs. This is regrettable; considering the limitations associated with aging older adults can particularly benefit from digital applications. This dissertation explores ICT use among older adults and its potential for enhancing their social and emotional well-being.

This research combines knowledge of ICT use with insights from gerontology. Widely used models describe four factors that influence the use of ICTs: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, and facilitating conditions. Additionally, this dissertation centers on three gerontological mechanisms. The first, socio-emotional selectivity, describes the shift in priorities as people age, towards activities and relationships that provide short-term social and emotional significance. The second mechanism, selective optimization with compensation, illustrates how older adults develop alternative strategies when things no longer come as easily. The third mechanism, the preservation of control, concerns the desire of older adults to maintain autonomy despite limitations.

Although older adults are often seen as less digitally skilled, this does not appear to be the primary reason why they do or do not use ICT. In other words, the ease of use of technology is often not decisive. Much more important is perceived usefulness. If an older person perceives an ICT as useful or valuable, they will be willing to learn the necessary skills. Social influence also plays a crucial role. But unlike other populations (where the social environment is key in shaping opinions), social influence among older adults is directly supportive or hindering. This, along with privacy concerns, forms part of the facilitating conditions. Gerontological mechanisms offered a valuable perspective for examining ICT use for the benefit of social and emotional well-being. Older adults perceive the use of ICTs as helpful for feeling connected with loved ones, for example by (jointly) viewing digital photos or participating in WhatsApp groups. Furthermore, older adults use ICT when traditional activities become difficult, such as sending emails when conversation is no longer possible. Lastly, ICT use appears important for maintaining a sense of control.

Based on the findings, the following recommendations were formulated:
* Make it meaningful: Ensure that the ICT you develop or use in a service for older adults contributes to their social and emotional well-being.
* Use the usual: Instead of innovative gadgets and robots, older adults prefer everyday technology like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Make use of this.
* Incorporate in offline life: Do not make ICT use an activity in itself, but integrate it into daily life.
* Provide the right support: Many older adults are quite capable of using ICTs. Concerns about whether they use it responsibly are sometimes valid. Provide tailored support.