"Dette å føle at du er med, med i det som skjer, og det de unge gjør" Beboere i omsorg + og deres erfaringer med bruk av nettbrett

Abstract

Abstract Background: The use of tablet computers can improve the quality of life for older adults by reducing loneliness and depression, and contribute to increased self-esteem and personal growth. Further knowledge is needed to understand how older adults use tablet computers in everyday life. Aim: To explore how some residents in an assisted living use tablet computers in everyday life. Method: Individual semi-structured interviews with six residents living in an assisted living were performed. Content analysis was used. Results: Five categories were revealed: «A safe context with instructions and social support», «Tablet as a social tool», «An activity change in everyday life», «Tablet to keep up with trends» and «Tablets can also be experienced as hustle». Conclusion: The study shows that the residents used the tablet computers as a tool to maintain and develop social relationship with family and friends in their everyday lives. They also demonstrated new ways of performing activities with the tablet computers. Some residents used the tablet computers to be updated on «everything that is going on». The daily support from the housekeeper seemed to be of importance to incorporate the tablet computers in meaningful activities. However, some also perceived the tablet computer as a hustle.

Keywords: Older adults, tablet computers, everyday life, assisted living, activity theory