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Weaving Social Connectivity into the Community Fabric: Exploring Older Adult’s Relationships to Technology and Place

Author

Listed:
  • Belinda Paulovich

    (Centre for Design Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology, John St., Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Sonja Pedell

    (Centre for Design Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology, John St., Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Erica Tandori

    (School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Wellington Rd., Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia)

  • Jeanie Beh

    (Centre for Design Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology, John St., Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

Abstract

The wellbeing of older adults is positively impacted by ease of access to social networks and opportunities. In urban fringe communities, longer geographical distances, combined with mobility and health issues, can lead to decreased access to community life. Technology can facilitate socialisation opportunities for older adults living in more geographically isolated locations, but we need to work with communities to better understand how technology can fit into their existing social tapestry and community infrastructure. We conducted an explorative, qualitative study consisting of in-depth semi-structured interviews with members of an urban fringe community (n = 2), and a community mapping focus group (n = 14). Transcripts and mapping materials were analysed thematically, and also the method’s suitability explored. The community mapping proved suitable to uncover the complexity of technology use to support social connectivity. We found that while technology was perceived as valuable by our participants, there were also significant fears and concerns surrounding its use related to the abstract concept of online friendship and the steep learning curve required to master some platforms. Inclusive communities connected by technology require tailored and customised community-led technology initiatives in order to accommodate for the unique social and geographical contexts in which they live. We outline the next steps for future research on technology-supported social connectivity within urban fringe communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Belinda Paulovich & Sonja Pedell & Erica Tandori & Jeanie Beh, 2022. "Weaving Social Connectivity into the Community Fabric: Exploring Older Adult’s Relationships to Technology and Place," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:14:p:8500-:d:860808
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hannah R. Marston & Joost van Hoof, 2019. "“Who Doesn’t Think about Technology When Designing Urban Environments for Older People?” A Case Study Approach to a Proposed Extension of the WHO’s Age-Friendly Cities Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-35, September.
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    3. Jennifer Liddle & Nicole Pitcher & Kyle Montague & Barbara Hanratty & Holly Standing & Thomas Scharf, 2020. "Connecting at Local Level: Exploring Opportunities for Future Design of Technology to Support Social Connections in Age-friendly Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-25, July.
    4. Anthony G. Tuckett & Abbey Freeman & Sharon Hetherington & Paul A. Gardiner & Abby C. King & On behalf of Burnie Brae Citizen Scientists, 2018. "Older Adults Using Our Voice Citizen Science to Create Change in Their Neighborhood Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-17, November.
    5. Sonja Pedell & Ann Borda & Alen Keirnan & Nicole Aimers, 2021. "Combining the Digital, Social and Physical Layer to Create Age-Friendly Cities and Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-14, January.
    6. Tamara Sims & Andrew E Reed & Dawn C Carr, 2017. "Information and Communication Technology Use Is Related to Higher Well-Being Among the Oldest-Old," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(5), pages 761-770.
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