Title |
‘Although we're isolated, we're not really isolated’: The value of information and communication technology for older people in rural Australia
|
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Published in |
Australasian Journal on Ageing, June 2017
|
DOI | 10.1111/ajag.12449 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Turi Berg, Rachel Winterton, Maree Petersen, Jeni Warburton |
Abstract |
Drawing from a larger study that identified the supports and services that facilitate wellness among older people from rural communities, this study examined the specific contribution made by information and communication technology (ICT). Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 60 older adults from six Australian rural areas. A preliminary thematic analysis was conducted, followed by a higher-order inductive analysis. Information and communication technology use was discussed in terms of individual enrichment, and in terms of enabling connections between the individual and their social networks, community and wider service environments. Information and communication technologies may facilitate wellness for rural older people by compensating for geographical and social isolation. In the changing world of health and aged care service delivery, ICTs will be more important than ever for rural older people in building their capacity to access the services, socialisation and support that they need, regardless of location. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Australia | 5 | 42% |
New Zealand | 2 | 17% |
Unknown | 5 | 42% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 6 | 50% |
Scientists | 5 | 42% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 1 | 8% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 119 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Bachelor | 18 | 15% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 15 | 13% |
Student > Master | 15 | 13% |
Researcher | 13 | 11% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 11 | 9% |
Other | 15 | 13% |
Unknown | 32 | 27% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Social Sciences | 22 | 18% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 20 | 17% |
Psychology | 14 | 12% |
Medicine and Dentistry | 5 | 4% |
Arts and Humanities | 5 | 4% |
Other | 17 | 14% |
Unknown | 36 | 30% |