Abstract
Technology is transforming the social, economic, and political fabric our society faster than we can envision the consequences to quality of life for vulnerable members of society. Technology, in the form of internet access, smart phone, emails, text messaging, twitter, social media, and video streaming, is becoming more common place with businesses and social structures switching service and product delivery to online. Today, 8.5% of people worldwide (617 million) are 65 and over and projected to be 17% (1.6 billion) of the world’s population by 2050. While Generation X, Generation Y, and Millennials were immersed in this evolution, our elderly populations were not and are at significant disadvantaged for living. Societies must consider the computer/internet education needs of this population. Elderly persons living alone, in resident/assisted-living or long-term care facility and rural areas feel a sense of social isolation, loss of independence, and depression, especially residents geographically removed from family, friends, and sense of community. Lacking basic computer/smart phone skills farther isolate them from social support networks. Teaching basic computer/smart phone and internet skills to this population may reduce the risks associated with aging and separation. The use of this technology by these residents will empower and strengthen their psychological, emotional, and physical health for sustaining quality of life. A single-subject design case study was used to explore if using the Internet and email might improve family communication, emotional, and psychological health for one older adult long-term care resident. Implications for education, social work practice, and gerontology are discussed.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Emotion, Emotional Intelligence, Multiple Intelligence, Gerontology, Computer Technology, Internet, Education, Social Change, Geriatric Social Work Practice
Digital Media
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