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Methodology for Establishing a Community-Wide Life Laboratory for Capturing Unobtrusive and Continuous Remote Activity and Health Data
Published on: July 27, 2018
Social networking sites and older users - a systematic review
Tobias Nef1, Raluca L Ganea, René M Müri
1Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
International Psychogeriatrics
|April 5, 2013
Summary
Social networking sites (SNS) can enhance communication for senior citizens, especially those with mobility issues. Addressing privacy and design challenges can unlock the potential of SNS for intergenerational connections.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Sociology
Background:
- Social networking sites (SNS) offer benefits for senior citizens, promoting social participation and intergenerational communication.
- SNS are particularly valuable for older adults with impaired mobility, facilitating connections with family and other users.
- This systematic review provides an overview of scientific literature on SNS usage among older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize existing research on social networking site usage in older adults.
- To identify the primary benefits and barriers associated with social networking for the elderly population.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of computerized databases was conducted.
- 105 articles were identified and screened; 18 articles were included in the final review.
- Key findings were extracted, classified, and critically discussed.
Main Results:
- The primary benefit identified is enhanced intergenerational communication, particularly with younger family members (children and grandchildren).
- Key barriers include privacy concerns, technical difficulties, and a lack of user-centered web design for older adults.
- Both older and younger generations appreciate the intergenerational communication facilitated by SNS.
Conclusions:
- Social networking sites hold significant potential to support communication between older and younger family members.
- Addressing identified barriers such as privacy, technical usability, and web design is crucial for realizing this potential.
- Future research should focus on overcoming these challenges to optimize SNS for older users.
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