Together, at a distance: experiences with a novel technology for social contact among older people and their relatives in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic

Navigating the Digital Divide: Exploring the Drivers, Drawbacks, and Prospects of Social Interaction Technologies' Adoption and Usage Among Older Adults During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical role of social interaction technologies (SITs) in mitigating loneliness and social isolation, particularly among older adults. However, challenges such as the digital divide, physical and cognitive declines, and digital literacy gaps persist. This article seeks to explore the drivers, drawbacks, and prospects of SITs' adoption during the pandemic. The paper employs a narrative review approach, using targeted phrases and keywords, including "COVID-19 pandemic and digital engagement," "digital technologies usage among older adults/people during COVID-19," and "drivers of digital technologies adoption among older adults/people during COVID-19." Articles were retrieved through Google Scholar searches conducted between October 2023 and December 2024. In line with key findings, we propose evidence-based recommendations, including user-centered digital communication technology design, the need to balance digital engagement with healthy physical activity, and personalized digital literacy programs, to enhance SITs' accessibility and usability for older adults.

User interfaces for older adults to support social interaction through digital technology: a systematic review update

PURPOSE

This systematic review aims to update the results related to user interfaces and digital technologies that support the social interactions of older adults. Multiple innovative technological forms in existing research were evaluated to obtain evidence that digital technologies improve older adults' quality of life and social well-being.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search for relevant studies published in the last five years was conducted using the databases of Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, PubMed, Scopus, Springer Link and Web of Science.

RESULTS

Of the 4959 records identified, a total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings were reviewed in three areas: social interaction of older adults supported by user interface, the digital technologies used in the user interface, and the effects of user interfaces on the social interactions of older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research should develop digital technologies and service models to enhance the quality of life of older adults. Long-term solutions to promote social interaction in older adults require more user interface support. Community connection-based user interfaces can support existing social relationships and develop new social circles for older adults.