"Det var jo en voldsom åpenbaring"- En studie av nettbrettbruk i hverdagslivet til Omsorg+-beboere

Abstract

Background: Assistive technology is increasingly promoted to provide older adults the opportunity to live independently, to preserve quality of life and coping in everyday life. There is a further need to understand how computer tablets are used in everyday life.

Aim: To explore how four residents (67+) living in an assisted living facility experienced using computer tablets and its user interface.

Methods: Observation combined with a think-aloud approach were used to investigate the participants’ thoughts, feelings and decisions while performing self-chosen occupations on their own computer tablets.

Analysis: The audio and video recordings were analyzed using systematic text condensation and videography. The concept «transition» was used to interpret the findings related to the participants’ use of computer tablets.

Results: The use of computer tablets can be understood as transition, as the participants started to perform familiar occupations in new ways by using technology and maintained belonging to family and friends. Through developing coping strategies toward experienced barriers, the participants created successful transition.

Conclusion: Older adults can gain successful transitions through using computer tablets and developing strategies to meet barriers for use in everyday life. Occupational therapists should address these aspects in assistive technology interventions with older adults.