title: Access to mobile communications by older people.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate how older people effectively identify, select and learn to use mobile communications technologies to enhance communication and safety, and support independent living.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and fifty-three older South Australians participated in a purpose-designed survey questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Older people relied on family and friends for information and advice (76%), and their children's assistance with buying (45%) and learning to use (48%) new technology. The most preferred learning method was face-to-face training (56%). Less than half (44%) were interested in trying out new designs/applications, functions and capabilities that could assist with independent living. The highest need was for personal security and emergencies (88%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest that the family and friends of older people play an important role in identifying, selecting and learning to use mobile communication technologies. The safety and emergency capabilities of mobile communications technologies were more important than having functions that could assist with independent living.
authors.affiliation: Knowledge and Innovation, Novita Children's Services, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.|Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Toan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.affiliation: Social Work and Social Planning, School of Social and Policy Studies, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Irizarry
authors.affiliation: Knowledge and Innovation, Novita Children's Services, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Garrett
authors.affiliation: Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Downing
mesh_terms: D022126:Access to Information; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003142:Communication; D004630:Emergencies; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D063731:Mobile Applications; D012637:Security Measures; D000068997:Smartphone; D013021:South Australia; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: independent living; mobile communications; mobile phone; older people; survey questionnaire