title: Reducing the Digital Divide: Connecting Older Adults to iPad Technology.
abstract: America's older adult population is increasing at a dramatic rate due to better health care, technology, and improved living conditions. However, as individuals 65 years and older begin to live longer and experience multiple life changes, there is a larger incidence of social isolation leading to loneliness, depression, and a general decline in health. This mixed-method study aimed to explore whether information and communication technologies, specifically iPads, improved the lives of older adults. Our findings suggest that the use of technology increased knowledge, elicited closer family ties, and led to a greater overall connection to society.
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas at Tyler, USA jdelello@uttyler.edu.
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Delello
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas at Tyler, USA.
authors.forename: Rochell R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: McWhorter
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003197:Computer Literacy; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D066310:Digital Divide; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D061108:Social Media; D058992:Social Participation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: aging; community of practice; gerontechnology; iPad; metaliteracy; older adults