Homebound older adults' experiences with the Internet and e-mail

The purpose of this study was to explore homebound older adults' experiences with the Internet and e-mail employing the Dutch phenomenological approach. A sample of 5 homebound older adults was included. All participants were interviewed twice. Data were analyzed employing the technique recommended by Dutch phenomenologists. The analysis resulted in a total of 10 shared themes and a thick description of the homebound older adults' experiences with the Internet and e-mail. The findings indicated that all participants were faced with various challenges in learning the Internet and e-mail. Those difficulties, however, were overcome by continuous practice and support from various sources. Ultimately they found that the Internet and e-mail were excellent sources of support and enjoyment, resulting in an improved quality of life.