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Improving Technology Use, Digital Competence, and Access to Community Resources Among Older Participants in the University of Rhode Island Engaging Generations Cyber‐Seniors digiAGE Pilot Study

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Listed:
  • Skye N. Leedahl
  • Kristin Souza
  • Alexandria Capolino
  • Melanie Brasher
  • Emma Pascuzzi
  • Christina Azzinaro
  • Tyler‐Ann Ellison
  • Erica Estus
  • Maureen Maigret

Abstract

This pilot study aimed to bridge the digital divide between older and younger adults. The goal was for older people in the state to become digitally literate by engaging them in a program that provides digital devices (i.e., Apple iPads), internet connectivity (i.e., through HotSpots), and training from supervised university student mentors. This project, funded as a key policy initiative through the state's unit on aging, specifically promoted social and economic equity by targeting participants from lower‐income communities and areas hit hardest by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our university partnered with senior/community centers to recruit and support English‐ and Spanish‐speaking adults 50 years of age and older (age range: 55‐100, M=72.3, SD=8.5). For this paper, we examined changes in technology use and digital competence from the pre‐ to the post‐survey (collected over the phone) from older participants (N=145), and we examined how the program contributed to new ways for participants to connect to community resources. Based on statistical analyses, participants improved in digital competence (pre=2.06, post=2.74), technology use (pre=1.99, post=2.70), tablet use (pre=1.53, post=4.08), and the number of purposes in which participants used technology (pre=4.09, post=5.55; p's

Suggested Citation

  • Skye N. Leedahl & Kristin Souza & Alexandria Capolino & Melanie Brasher & Emma Pascuzzi & Christina Azzinaro & Tyler‐Ann Ellison & Erica Estus & Maureen Maigret, 2023. "Improving Technology Use, Digital Competence, and Access to Community Resources Among Older Participants in the University of Rhode Island Engaging Generations Cyber‐Seniors digiAGE Pilot Study," Journal of Elder Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 2(3), pages 55-92, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:eldpol:v:2:y:2023:i:3:p:55-92
    DOI: 10.18278/jep.2.3.3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Skye N. Leedahl & Melanie Sereny Brasher & Dara L. LoBuono & Bethany M. Wood & Erica L. Estus, 2020. "Reducing Ageism: Changes in Students’ Attitudes after Participation in an Intergenerational Reverse Mentoring Program," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-17, August.
    2. Jill J. Juris & Erin D. Bouldin & Katherine Uva & Christopher D. Cardwell & Anastacia Schulhoff & Nicole Hiegl, 2022. "Virtual Intergenerational Reverse-Mentoring Program Reduces Loneliness among Older Adults: Results from a Pilot Evaluation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-11, June.
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