Facilitating digital communication in seniors

Abstract

The foundation of this research is a push to familiarize young-old (65-85) with technology that will facilitate social connections as they age. This research analysed the acceptation and use of the readily available mature tablet applications, Skype and DropBox as an aid to facilitate communication between seniors and their various support networks. The usability of existing apps took place in Australia and India and the findings compared. Participants who had high levels of skill were asked to be peer team leaders and given around 10 people to look after. The participants were then phoned and asked to complete a questionnaire on their attitudes and experiences using the software, while the team leaders were interviewed in person about their experiences. A large number of participants were already familiar with and using some kind of electronic communication software to talk with friends and family, while DropBox proved more difficult with participants finding understanding of its mechanisms and usefulness challenging. This research acts as a pilot for further research into assistive technologies both in Australia and India.