Generational caregiver connectedness and social technology: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Health Sciences

Background:

• Social disconnection is linked to increased mortality and morbidity.
• Generational differences in social technology use may explain varying disconnection levels among caregivers.
• Limited understanding exists regarding social technology use across different caregiver generations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore caregiving experiences and enhanced social connectedness via technology.
• Focus on three generations of family caregivers for chronically ill older adults.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive study using the Convoy Model.
• Three focus groups conducted with caregivers across three generational age groups.
• Life course and thematic analysis applied to transcribed data.

Main Results:

• Caregivers across all generations reported changes in connectedness during caregiving.
• Generational differences were observed in the need for connectedness.
• Preferences for social technology varied significantly among the caregiver generations.

Conclusions:

• Distinct social expectations tied to life course stages were identified across generations.
• Findings have implications for developing future caregiver support interventions.
• Tailoring social technology interventions to specific generational needs is recommended.