Grow Old with You: Internet in the Lives of Old People In Southern Philippines

Abstract

Background: The advent of the internet has brought about a profound transformation in the lifestyles of individuals, significantly shaping the perspectives and strategies adopted by older adults in addressing the complexities associated with ageing. Objective: This study aims to explore the influence of the internet on improving the quality of life of older adults. To achieve this, a narrative research design was employed. Methods: With the use of open-ended questions, the researcher conducted a 30-45-minute one-on-one interview with elderly adults from Southern Philippines who had encountered health problems and utilized the internet to maximize their access to health care services. The process of qualitative data analysis involved the meticulous examination of the narratives, followed by a comprehensive "restoring" of these accounts into a format that encapsulated the diverse stages of their experiences. Results: The results yielded a total of eight pivotal stages, namely: "The Rat Race," "In Distress, Yet Denial," "A Near Death Experience," "Discovering Life Online," "Finding Support in the Digital World," "The Internet: Friend or Foe?," "Encouraging the Non-Tech Savvy," and "The Value of the Internet in Enhancing Quality of Life.". Conclusion: These stages highlight the modifications in the living conditions and health outcomes of the respondents as they accessed and utilized the different online programs and maximized their access to health care services. The results show that the difficulties faced by older adults strongly impact their desire to use the internet's potential, which in turn improves their overall quality of life.