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Older adults experiences of learning to use tablet computers: a mixed methods study
Vaportzis, Ria Clausen, M.G. Gow, A.J.
Vaportzis, Ria
Clausen, M.G.
Gow, A.J.
Publication Date
2018-09
End of Embargo
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Rights
© 2018 Vaportzis, Giatsi Clausen and Gow. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
Accepted for publication
2018-08-15
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Additional title
Abstract
Background: We wanted to understand older adults’ experiences of learning how to
use a tablet computer in the context of an intervention trial, including what they found
helpful or unhelpful about the tablet training, to guide future intervention studies.
Methods: Mixed methods study using questionnaire and focus group approaches.
Forty-three participants aged between 65 and 76 years old from the “Tablet for Healthy
Ageing” study (comprising 22 in the intervention group and 21 controls) completed
a post-intervention tablet experience questionnaire. Those who completed the tablet
training intervention were invited to share their experiences of engaging with new
technology in post-intervention focus groups. We conducted three separate focus
groups with 14 healthy older adults (10 females).
Results: Questionnaire data suggested that the overall experience of the 22 participants
who participated in the tablet training intervention was positive. The majority of
participants said that it was likely or very likely they would use a tablet in the future. The
focus group themes that emerged were related to the perception of tablet training, the
experience of using tablets, and suggestions for future studies. Participants mentioned
that their confidence was increased, that they enjoyed being part of a social group and
downloading applications, but they also felt challenged at times. Advantages of using
tablets included the ability to keep in touch with family and friends, a motivation to
contribute to the community, and the potential for tablets to improve mental abilities and
overall health and wellbeing. Participants made suggestions that would enable tablet
usage, including improvement of features, and suggestions that would improve future
tablet training studies, including smaller classes.
Conclusion: Our findings have implications for the development of interventions utilizing
new technologies that might promote the health and wellbeing of older adults.
Version
Published version
Citation
Vaportzis E, Clausen MG and Gow AJ (2018) Older adults experiences of learning to use tablet computers: a mixed methods study. Frontiers in Psychology. 9: 1631.
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Article