Television, radio, and telephone: Tools for reducing loneliness among older adults in Nigeria.

Background Technology may play a vital role in the overall quality of life of older adults, specifically in reducing loneliness. However, there is limited evidence on the experience of older adults in using certain technology in reducing loneliness especially in developing nations. We explored the e...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Gerontechnology Vol. 18; no. 1; pp. 36 - 47
Autores principales: Ugochi Ojembe, Blessing, Ebe Kalu, Michael
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: International Society for Gerontechnology 2019
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Background Technology may play a vital role in the overall quality of life of older adults, specifically in reducing loneliness. However, there is limited evidence on the experience of older adults in using certain technology in reducing loneliness especially in developing nations. We explored the experiences of older adults in Nigeria that use technological devices (radio, television, and telephone) to reduce loneliness. Method This phenomenological study was conducted using qualitative methods. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 older adults aged between 60 and 88 years. Data was analysed using thematic analysis, adopting an interpretive approach. Results Two major interconnected themes of benefits and barriers of using technology in reducing loneliness among older adults emerged. While the benefits of using technology includes facilitation of interaction, increasing the quality and quantity of social networks, feeling of anticipation and preferred face-to-face interaction; non-age friendly television and radio programs and usage struggles emerged as barriers of using technology in reducing loneliness among older adults in Nigeria. Older adults recommended for television and radio programs to incorporate older adults' specific channels or programs. Although telephones seem outdated, older adults expressed mixed feelings on the use of mobile phones as a tool for reducing loneliness. Conclusion While there is a considerable potential use of radio, television and phones in recucing loneliness among older adults in Nigeria, there are specific suggestions for radio and television stations to enhance programs that are adaptable with older adults. Mobile phone industries should develop smart phones that are age friendly and can adequately serve the older adult population.