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Perceptions on Extending the Use of Technology after the COVID-19 Pandemic Resolves: A Qualitative Study with Older Adults

Author

Listed:
  • Ceci Diehl

    (Digital Media and Interaction Research Centre (DigiMedia), Department of Communication and Art, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Rita Tavares

    (Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS@RISE), Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Taiane Abreu

    (Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS@RISE), Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Ana Margarida Pisco Almeida

    (Digital Media and Interaction Research Centre (DigiMedia), Department of Communication and Art, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Telmo Eduardo Silva

    (Digital Media and Interaction Research Centre (DigiMedia), Department of Communication and Art, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Gonçalo Santinha

    (Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), Department of Social, Political and Territorial Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Nelson Pacheco Rocha

    (Institute of Electronics and Informatics Engineering of Aveiro (IEETA), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Katja Seidel

    (ALL Institute, Department of Anthropology, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland)

  • Mac MacLachlan

    (Assisting Living and Learning Institute (ALL Institute), Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland)

  • Anabela G. Silva

    (Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS@RISE), School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Oscar Ribeiro

    (Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS@RISE), Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic of the last two years has affected the lives of many individuals, especially the most vulnerable and at-risk population groups, e.g., older adults. While social distancing and isolation are shown to be effective at decreasing the transmission of the virus, these actions have also increased loneliness and social isolation. To combat social distancing from family and friends, older adults have turned to technology for help. In the health sector, these individuals also had a variety of options that strengthened eHealth care services. This study analyzed the technologies used during the COVID-19 pandemic by a group of older people, as well as explored their expectations of use after the pandemic period. Qualitative and ethnographic interviews were conducted with 10 Portuguese older adults, and data were collected over a period of seven months between 2020 and 2021. The research demonstrated that the use of current and new technologies in the post-pandemic future is likely to be related to overcoming: (i) insecurity regarding privacy issues; (ii) difficulties in using technologies due to the level of use of digital technology; and (iii) the human distancing and impersonal consequences of using these technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ceci Diehl & Rita Tavares & Taiane Abreu & Ana Margarida Pisco Almeida & Telmo Eduardo Silva & Gonçalo Santinha & Nelson Pacheco Rocha & Katja Seidel & Mac MacLachlan & Anabela G. Silva & Oscar Ribeir, 2022. "Perceptions on Extending the Use of Technology after the COVID-19 Pandemic Resolves: A Qualitative Study with Older Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14152-:d:957422
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sathyanarayanan Doraiswamy & Anupama Jithesh & Ravinder Mamtani & Amit Abraham & Sohaila Cheema, 2021. "Telehealth Use in Geriatrics Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Scoping Review and Evidence Synthesis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-17, February.
    2. Achraf Ammar & Hamdi Chtourou & Omar Boukhris & Khaled Trabelsi & Liwa Masmoudi & Michael Brach & Bassem Bouaziz & Ellen Bentlage & Daniella How & Mona Ahmed & Patrick Mueller & Notger Mueller & Hsen , 2020. "COVID-19 Home Confinement Negatively Impacts Social Participation and Life Satisfaction: A Worldwide Multicenter Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-17, August.
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