Abstract
The focus of this chapter is on demonstrating the utility of communication technologies for increasing socialisation amongst rural and regional seniors. The chapter starts with a review of the literature showing links between increased social interaction and the well-being of seniors. Findings from two interpretive, ethnographic studies are presented. The first initiative, introducing technology at a rural retirement village, and the second initiative, introducing rural and regional seniors to online social interaction, both illustrate that technology can improve seniors’ well-being and decrease social isolation. Motivations of retirement village staff, peer trainers and seniors who were novice Internet users are explored. The value of peer training, accessibility and the need novice senior Internet users have for more time to learn to use communication technologies were amongst the key findings.
Keywords: Aged, institutional care, interpretivism, rurality, socialising, tablet computers, iPad, seniors, social interaction, isolation, community engagement, laptop, farmers, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, cognition, residential aged-care, peer training, GreyPath, assistive technology.
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