The Role of Information and Communications Technology to Help Facilitate Aging in Place
Abstract
In the field of gerontology, it is recognized that older adults want to remain at home,
even when their needs change. Over the past decade, research has grown in the field of
independent senior living. The use of technology, ranging from cell phones and
assistive devices to smart homes, may enable older adults to age in place. The goal of
this research was to explore the role of Information and Communications Technology
(ICT), and to understand whether such technology can help facilitate aging in place for
older adults living in a prairie city in Canada. Data was collected through 20 semistructured
interviews with adults (65 or older) living in Regina, SK. This research
explored ICT use by older adults and found that it contributed to maintaining safety,
health, and quality of life. This qualitative study was guided by grounded theory
methodology, which helped to enabled emergence of themes related to the use of ICT
and how it allows older adults to feel connected to their loved ones and their
surroundings. Participants identified four positive attributes that make remaining at
home desirable. These included: having personal domain, being able to connect to their
surroundings, having connections with family and friends and being able to personalize
their own space. Upkeep and home maintenance made remaining in their homes a
challenge. When the participants were asked to share their insights into ICT three
themes that emerged, including being connected to their family and friends,
communicating with these individuals, and the positive and negative perceptions of ICT.
It is hoped that this thesis will provide information for older adults, their caregivers,
home builders/developers and policy makers, as it will highlight the potential role of
technology in achieving the goal of keeping older adults in their homes.