Rights statement: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Clinical Gerontologist on 02/12/2020, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07317115.2020.1852638
Accepted author manuscript, 324 KB, PDF document
Available under license: CC BY-NC: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Final published version
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
“Building the Threads of Connection that We Already Have” : The Nature of Connections via Technology for Older People. / Liddle, Jacki; Stuart, Avelie; Worthy, Peter et al.
In: Clinical Gerontologist, Vol. 44, No. 4, 30.09.2021, p. 406-417.Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - “Building the Threads of Connection that We Already Have”
T2 - The Nature of Connections via Technology for Older People
AU - Liddle, Jacki
AU - Stuart, Avelie
AU - Worthy, Peter
AU - Levine, Mark
AU - Kastelle, Tim
AU - Wiles, Janet
AU - Pachana, Nancy A.
AU - Clare, Linda
N1 - This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Clinical Gerontologist on 02/12/2020, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07317115.2020.1852638
PY - 2021/9/30
Y1 - 2021/9/30
N2 - Objectives: The social connectedness of older people is of increasing concern. Technology has been suggested for enhancing social inclusion. This study aimed to explore the nature and quality of connections via technology. Methods: Qualitative exploration of experiences, stories, and needs was undertaken through semi-structured interviews with older (7) and middle-aged (3) adults with rich experience of connections via technology in Australia and England. Core aspects of connections through technology were constructed through interpretive description analysis. Results: Four key aspects were: 1. The caliber of connections: descriptions of a range of subjective quality of connections and characteristics of good connections; 2. Experiences of poor connection (mis- and dis-connection) including descriptions of experiences creating isolation; 3. Reasons to connect described the purposes of technology-based connections including connecting with others, themselves and places important to them; 4. Making connections work described active strategies to enhance connection. Conclusions: Using technology is part of the social engagement of many people. Considering the related feelings of connection and support strategies and needs could enhance future research and practice with older people. Clinical implications: The different characteristics and potential positive and negative experiences of connection via technology need consideration in measuring social isolation and supporting older adults.
AB - Objectives: The social connectedness of older people is of increasing concern. Technology has been suggested for enhancing social inclusion. This study aimed to explore the nature and quality of connections via technology. Methods: Qualitative exploration of experiences, stories, and needs was undertaken through semi-structured interviews with older (7) and middle-aged (3) adults with rich experience of connections via technology in Australia and England. Core aspects of connections through technology were constructed through interpretive description analysis. Results: Four key aspects were: 1. The caliber of connections: descriptions of a range of subjective quality of connections and characteristics of good connections; 2. Experiences of poor connection (mis- and dis-connection) including descriptions of experiences creating isolation; 3. Reasons to connect described the purposes of technology-based connections including connecting with others, themselves and places important to them; 4. Making connections work described active strategies to enhance connection. Conclusions: Using technology is part of the social engagement of many people. Considering the related feelings of connection and support strategies and needs could enhance future research and practice with older people. Clinical implications: The different characteristics and potential positive and negative experiences of connection via technology need consideration in measuring social isolation and supporting older adults.
KW - Aging
KW - isolation
KW - loneliness
KW - social
KW - social technology
U2 - 10.1080/07317115.2020.1852638
DO - 10.1080/07317115.2020.1852638
M3 - Journal article
AN - SCOPUS:85097102700
VL - 44
SP - 406
EP - 417
JO - Clinical Gerontologist
JF - Clinical Gerontologist
SN - 0731-7115
IS - 4
ER -