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The supportive network: Rural disadvantaged older people and ICT.

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Abstract

The rapid development of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) is profoundly transforming the social order, into what Spanish sociologist Manuel Castells calls the network society. Mobile technologies, such as smartphones and tablet computers, are perhaps the definitive tools of the network society; however, cultural and economic barriers exist that restrict access to these transformative tools and to the information networks in which they operate. One group that is particularly at risk is rural older people from disadvantaged backgrounds. This paper reports on one aspect of a larger action research project that involved working with a small group of rural, socially isolated older people with histories of homelessness and complex needs (N = 7) and their social workers. This paper focuses on the older participants who, having been provided tablet computers, were then supported to use the device in their homes over the course of eight months. Despite most participants having never used a computing device of any kind prior to the research project, findings suggested that participants gained confidence, independence and social engagement as a result of their ICT use. Results also highlighted that they experienced challenges in utilising ICT, specifically technical, economic and social barriers. Findings highlight the individual and structural issues that must be addressed to enable all citizens to participate fully in the network society.

Acceptance Date Apr 7, 2016
Publication Date Apr 7, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Ageing and Society
Print ISSN 0144-686X
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Pages 1291-1309
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X16000350
Keywords older adults; social disadvantage; ICT; tablet computers; internet; rural; manuel castells; network society
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X16000350

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