Impact of Information and Communication technology use on well-being of older adults in the (post)Covid-19 pandemic

Nikolaj Lipič

Alma Mater Europaea University, Department of Social Gerontology 

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7370-3188 (unauthenticated)

Mitja Bagari

University Alma Mater Europaea, Department of Social Gerontology 

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2263-5162 (unauthenticated)

Nejc Krašovec

University Alma Mater Europaea, Department of Social Gerontology 

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7594-9089 (unauthenticated)

Marija Ovsenik

University Alma Mater Europaea, Department of Social Gerontology 

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3482-0386 (unauthenticated)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.5.1.219

Abstract

Introduction: The period during and after the Covid-19 pandemic is marked by accelerated digitalization and digital transformation. For most older adults, use of Information and Communication technology (ICT) presents numerous challenges and dilemmas, as well as facing hardships and dangers. The latter affects well-being of older adults. Therefore, primary objective of the study is to examine ICT use impact on well-being of older adults in the (post) Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods: Qualitative research approach was applied, as data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth and individual interviews with 15 older adults aged between 65 and 87. Collected data was analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis.

Results: Older adults have different perceptions of impact of increased ICT use on their well-being during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Some reported positive effects of increased ICT use on their well-being, particularly in maintaining social contacts, greater connections with others and improved accessibility of communication during limited in-person contact. Greater digital confidence was also mentioned. Increased ICT use during the pandemic was not a universal experience for all older adults.

Conclusion: Older adults, who use ICT moderately or regularly, ICT use maintained or even encouraged their well-being, while for some it had no effect. Recommendations of older adults for decision-makers in the field of digitalization and well-being of older adults are an important contribution of the study. Basic digital literacy of older adults, while taking into account circumstances of their well-being, is also an important factor of the study.

Keywords: well-being, ICT use, older adults, digitalization, digital transformation, Covid-19, satisfaction, digital self-confidence

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