Facilitating access for older adults in residential care to computers and the internet

The Australian Bureau of Statistics predicts that older adults aged 65 and over will number 4 million in 2021 (18 percent of the population, ABS, 1998a). Consequently, the psychological and social factors that may improve quality of life for these older adults, and especially those in residential care, need to be examined. The goal of this study was to look at some of the social factors that may improve older adults’ quality of life. A model of quality ageing was tested. This model proposed that if an activity that satisfies psychological needs of competency, autonomy and relatedness is undertaken by older adults, then their quality of life may be improved. Facilitating access to computers and the Internet is one activity that could satisfy needs for competency, autonomy, and relatedness. This study used a quasi-experimental longitudinal design over a twelve-month period, with measurements at baseline, post-test, and follow-up. An experimental group of older adults was instructed on using computers and the Internet with a training program devised for the current study. A control group was visited regularly but was not taught to use computers. Meanwhile, a comparison group was taught to use computers and access the Internet through an alternative program run by the Victorian state government. Results showed that whilst older adults may be stereotyped as being “over the hill” and incapable of embracing new technology (for example the Internet), the reverse may be true. There was significant improvement in the overall quality of life of the experimental group (who were instructed with the special program) and this improvement was sustained at follow-up. In contrast, the control group showed a significant deterioration in well-being and psychological functioning over time, whilst the comparison group showed some improvement in psychological functioning but deterioration in well-being. Statistical tests of an indirect effects model also suggested that many of the benefits for the experimental group were through improvements in competency and relatedness, lending support to the proposed model of Quality Ageing. This study illustrated the psychological and social value of assisting older adults to access information technology. It was concluded that there is a need for greater discussion and understanding in the selection, development, and delivery of quality activities to older adults to ensure the ageing population will have a better quality of life.