Attitudes Towards and Limitations to ICT Use in Assisted and Independent Living Communities: Findings from a Specially-Designed Technological Intervention

• Published in: Educational gerontology Vol. 39; no. 11; pp. 797 - 811
• Main Authors: Berkowsky, Ronald W., Cotton, Shelia R., Yost, Elizabeth A., Winstead, Vicki P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis Group 01-11-2013; Routledge; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adult Learning; Aging (Individuals); Assisted living facilities; Attitude Change; Attitude Measures; Attitudes; Barriers; Community Relations; Computer Attitudes; Computer Literacy; Focus Groups; Gerontology; Hypothesis Testing; Independent Living; Information Skills; Information Technology; Internet; Intervention; Learning Processes; Older Adults; Older people; Pretests Posttests; Program Effectiveness; Residential Institutions; Surveys; Teaching Methods; Technology Uses in Education
• ISSN: 0360-1277; 1521-0472
• DOI: 10.1080/03601277.2012.734162

Much literature has been devoted to theoretical explanations of the learning processes of older adults and to the methods of teaching best utilized in older populations. However, there has been less focus on the education of older adults who reside in assisted and independent living communities (AICs), especially with regards to information and communication technology (ICT) education. The purpose of this study is to determine whether participants' attitudes and views towards computers and the Internet are affected as a result of participating in an eight-week training program designed to enhance computer and Internet use among older adults in such communities. Specifically, we examine if ICT education specially designed for AIC residents results in more positive attitudes towards ICTs and a perceived decrease in factors that may limit or prevent computer and Internet use. We discuss the implications of these results for enhancing the quality of life for older adults in AICs and make recommendations for those seeking to decrease digital inequality among older adults in these communities through their own ICT classes.