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The supportive network : Rural disadvantaged older people and ICT
Baker, Steven Warburton, Jeni Hodgkin, Suzanne Pascal, Jan
Baker, Steven
Warburton, Jeni
Hodgkin, Suzanne
Pascal, Jan
Abstract
The rapid development of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) is profoundly transforming the social order, into what Spanish sociologist Manuel Castells calls the network society. Mobile technologies, such as smartphones and tablet computers, are perhaps the definitive tools of the network society; however, cultural and economic barriers exist that restrict access to these transformative tools and to the information networks in which they operate. One group that is particularly at risk is rural older people from disadvantaged backgrounds. This paper reports on one aspect of a larger action research project that involved working with a small group of rural, socially isolated older people with histories of homelessness and complex needs (N = 7) and their social workers. This paper focuses on the older participants who, having been provided tablet computers, were then supported to use the device in their homes over the course of eight months. Despite most participants having never used a computing device of any kind prior to the research project, findings suggested that participants gained confidence, independence and social engagement as a result of their ICT use. Results also highlighted that they experienced challenges in utilising ICT, specifically technical, economic and social barriers. Findings highlight the individual and structural issues that must be addressed to enable all citizens to participate fully in the network society.
Keywords
older adults, social disadvantage, ICT, tablet computers, internet, rural, Manuel Castells, network society
Date
2017
Type
Journal article
Journal
Ageing and Society
Book
Volume
37
Issue
6
Page Range
1291-1309
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Allied Health
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
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Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled