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Aging Well in the Digital Age: Technology in Processes of Selective Optimization with Compensation

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  • Galit Nimrod
  • Jan Warren-Findlow

Abstract

ObjectivesStudies show that using information and communication technology (ICT) contributes significantly to elders’ subjective well-being (SWB). Drawing on the Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC) model, this study aims at exploring the mechanism by which ICT use helps older adults remain engaged in valued life activities and maintain their SWB.MethodInvolving teams from seven countries (Canada, Colombia, Israel, Italy, Peru, Romania, Spain), 27 focus groups were conducted with a total of 184 grandmothers aged 65 years and older who use ICT.ResultsAnalysis led to identification of a series of strategies related to ICT use that may be described in SOC terms. “Intentional limited use” and “Selective timing,”, for example, are clearly associated with selection. In addition, numerous optimizing strategies were found to be applied in “Instrumental” and “Leisure” activities, whereas some ICT uses offered compensation for “Aging-related” and “General” challenging circumstances.DiscussionThe study suggests that ICT is used in all three SOC processes and that its effective application facilitates adjustment and enhances SWB. It should therefore be regarded as a resource that supports existing personal and social resources and life management strategies, and even as a Quality of Life Technology that maintains or enhances functioning in older adulthood.

Suggested Citation

  • Galit Nimrod & Jan Warren-Findlow, 2020. "Aging Well in the Digital Age: Technology in Processes of Selective Optimization with Compensation," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 75(9), pages 2008-2017.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:75:y:2020:i:9:p:2008-2017.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gbz111
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    Cited by:

    1. Orçun Muhammet Şimşek & Orhan Koçak & Mustafa Z. Younis, 2021. "The Impact of Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions on Satisfaction with Life and the Mediating Role of Loneliness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-18, August.
    2. Chun Yang & Daniel W. L. Lai & Yi Sun & Chun-Yin Ma & Anson Kai Chun Chau, 2022. "Mobile Application Use and Loneliness among Older Adults in the Digital Age: Insights from a Survey in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-22, June.
    3. Aleksic, Slavisa & Atanasov, Michael & Agius, Jean Calleja & Camilleri, Kenneth & Čartolovni, Anto & Climent-Pérez, Pau & Colantonio, Sara & Cristina, Stefania & Despotovic, Vladimir & Ekenel, Hazim K, 2022. "State of the Art of Audio- and Video-Based Solutions for AAL," EconStor Research Reports 251553, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    4. Heng Yang & Jianbin Jin, 2022. "Shared Destiny in the Digital Era: Sensation Seeking, Loneliness, and Excessive Internet Use among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Mainland China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-17, October.
    5. Zhizheng Zhang & Wentao Wei & Tianlu Zhu & Ming Zhou & Yajun Li, 2022. "New Dimension on Quality of Life Differences among Older Adults: A Comparative Analysis of Digital Consumption in Urban and Rural Areas of China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-23, November.
    6. Veronica Oswald & Michael Wagner, 2023. "Internet usage among the oldest-old: does functional health moderate the relationship between internet usage and autonomy?," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 1-10, December.
    7. Cheng-Chia Yang & Cheng-Lun Li & Te-Feng Yeh & Yu-Chia Chang, 2022. "Assessing Older Adults’ Intentions to Use a Smartphone: Using the Meta–Unified Theory of the Acceptance and Use of Technology," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-14, April.
    8. Eija Kärnä & Lotta Aavikko & Rebekka Rohner & Vera Gallistl & Kaisa Pihlainen & Claudia Müller & Anja Ehlers & Roberta Bevilacqua & Stefano Strano & Elvira Maranesi & Katerina Cerna & Lisa Hengl & Fra, 2022. "A Multilevel Model of Older Adults’ Appropriation of ICT and Acquisition of Digital Literacy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-14, November.

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