Gallo Adriana Martins, Laranjeira Carlos, Araújo Juliane Pagliari, Marques Francielle Renata Danielli Martins, Baccon Wanessa Cristina, Salci Maria Aparecida, Carreira Lígia
Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790-Campus Universitário, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil.
School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto Do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901, Leiria, Portugal.
Heliyon. 2024 Jul 26;10(15):e35120. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35120. eCollection 2024 Aug 15.
Digital inclusion of older people is an important agenda for the future and well-being of the older population, as it represents a form of social inclusion with significant gains for healthy aging. The present study aimed to understand the experiences of Brazilian older adults who use smartphones and the implications in their daily lives.
A qualitative study was developed using a constructivist grounded approach. Older people (≥60 years) with prior access to a smartphone were invited to participate in the study. Participation took place through semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously using a constant comparative approach. Data management and analysis used the Atlas.ti® software.
Overall, 37 older people participated, with an average age of 70.60 ± 6.95 years, predominantly female (n = 33), white (n = 25), married (n = 26) and retired (n = 27). The first sample group included 27 older people with family support and the second group included 10 older people without family support (who lived alone in their homes). A core category emerged from the data analysis-"Expanding the personal and social development of older adults through smartphone communication"-around which three main categories emerged: 1) The smartphone as "a window to the world"; 2) The problem of misinformation and fake news on virtual networks; 3) Technological paradoxes in the use of smartphones.
The digital transition associated with smartphone use brings unimaginable benefits to older adults who adopt positive habits to improve their well-being and expand their social connections, following efforts proposed by the Decade of Healthy Aging. However, older adults still face disparities and experience a significant digital divide, which represents a major challenge. Barriers to access are further aggravated in developing countries. We hope this study contributes to public health policies on digital inclusion and healthy aging.
老年人的数字融入是老年人口未来和福祉的一项重要议程，因为它代表了一种社会融入形式，对健康老龄化有显著益处。本研究旨在了解使用智能手机的巴西老年人的经历及其对日常生活的影响。
采用建构主义扎根理论方法开展了一项定性研究。邀请此前已使用智能手机的老年人（≥60岁）参与研究。通过半结构化的录音访谈进行参与。使用持续比较法同时进行数据收集和分析。数据管理和分析使用了Atlas.ti®软件。
总体而言，37名老年人参与了研究，平均年龄为70.60 ± 6.95岁，以女性为主（n = 33），白人（n = 25），已婚（n = 26）且已退休（n = 27）。第一个样本组包括27名有家庭支持的老年人，第二个样本组包括10名没有家庭支持（独自在家生活）的老年人。数据分析得出了一个核心类别——“通过智能手机通信拓展老年人的个人和社会发展”，围绕这一核心类别又出现了三个主要类别：1）智能手机作为“通向世界的窗口”；2）虚拟网络上错误信息和假新闻的问题；3）智能手机使用中的技术悖论。
与智能手机使用相关的数字转型为老年人带来了难以想象的好处，这些老年人通过养成积极习惯来改善自身福祉并扩大社交联系，这是遵循“健康老龄化十年”所倡导的努力。然而，老年人仍然面临差距，经历着显著的数字鸿沟，这是一个重大挑战。在发展中国家，获取信息的障碍进一步加剧。我们希望本研究能为数字融入和健康老龄化的公共卫生政策做出贡献。
