Weaving Social Connectivity into the Community Fabric
Exploring Older Adult’s Relationships to Technology and Place
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15463535 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Belinda Paulovich (0000-0001-6650-3872, Swinburne University of Technology, corresponding author), Sonja Pedell (0000-0003-3741-7777, Swinburne University of Technology), Erica Tandori (0000-0002-6006-5776, Monash University), Jeanie Beh (Swinburne University of Technology) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 14 |
| Pages | 8500-8500 |
| Publication date | 2022-07-12 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph19148500 |
| PMID | 35886353 |
| OpenAlex | W4285093156 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 40 |
The wellbeing of older adults is positively impacted by ease of access to social networks and opportunities. In urban fringe communities, longer geographical distances, combined with mobility and health issues, can lead to decreased access to community life. Technology can facilitate socialisation opportunities for older adults living in more geographically isolated locations, but we need to work with communities to better understand how technology can fit into their existing social tapestry and community infrastructure. We conducted an explorative, qualitative study consisting of in-depth semi-structured interviews with members of an urban fringe community (n = 2), and a community mapping focus group (n = 14). Transcripts and mapping materials were analysed thematically, and also the method's suitability explored. The community mapping proved suitable to uncover the complexity of technology use to support social connectivity. We found that while technology was perceived as valuable by our participants, there were also significant fears and concerns surrounding its use related to the abstract concept of online friendship and the steep learning curve required to master some platforms. Inclusive communities connected by technology require tailored and customised community-led technology initiatives in order to accommodate for the unique social and geographical contexts in which they live. We outline the next steps for future research on technology-supported social connectivity within urban fringe communities
Geography · Sociology · Weaving · Aging and Gerontology Research · Engineering · Migration, Aging, and Tourism Studies · Technology Use by Older Adults
Can Digital Technology Enhance Social Connectedness Among Older Adults? A Feasibility Study
“Who over 65 is online?” Older adults’ dispositions toward information communication technology
The Benefits of Social Technology Use Among Older Adults Are Mediated by Reduced Loneliness
Social Relationships and Health
Covid-19 and the consequences of isolating the elderly
Strategies for ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative research projects
Thematic analysis
Snowball Sampling
Older Adults Using Our Voice Citizen Science to Create Change in Their Neighborhood Environment
Who Doesn’t Think about Technology When Designing Urban Environments for Older People?” A Case Study Approach to a Proposed Extension of the WHO’s Age-Friendly Cities Model
Combining the Digital, Social and Physical Layer to Create Age-Friendly Cities and Communities
Connecting at Local Level
A randomised controlled trial of the Nextdoor Kind Challenge
Information and Communication Technology Use Is Related to Higher Well-Being Among the Oldest-Old
Strategies of socially isolated older adults
Seniors’ adoption of digital devices and virtual event platforms in Singapore during Covid-19
Social connectedness
The supportive network
Singing for Successful Ageing
Mobility among older adults
Criteria for assessing the trustworthiness of naturalistic inquiries
Defining the Rural-Urban Fringe
Social Benefits of Playing Wii Bowling for Older Adults
Planning for community
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |