Effect of An Information and Communication Technology Utilization Program for Leisure Activities on the Anxiety of Device use and Health-Related Quality of Life

Purpose: With the aging of the population and the development of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and education systems, methods to maintain social networks among the older adults are attracting attention. In this study, familiar leisure activities were introduced into the process of learning how to use devices, as anxiety about using devices has been considered one of the factors that hinder the spread of ICT among older adults. This study aimed to explore the effects of an ICT utilization program on device use anxiety and health-related quality of life quality and how ICT use affects social participation. Participants and Methods: Twenty-two community-dwelling older adults participated in a social network service group exchange for 1 month, and a questionnaire survey was conducted on ICT utilization and WHO-5 before and after the program. From the survey, we examined the effects of ICT use on older adults anxiety about device use and life satisfaction. Results: Before and after the program, a change in the WHO-5 total score and anxiety about using a device was found. In addition, not only positive opinions were heard regarding the impressions of the program, but many wished to continue the program in the future. Conclusion: In this study, we confirmed that a style in which participants naturally learn how to use a device while interacting with each other based on themes that include elements of enjoyment leads to a reduction in anxiety about device use and increase the degree of satisfaction.