Facebook and the elderly: The benefits of social media adoption for aged care facility residents

Saara Matilainen, David G. Schwartz, John Zeleznikow

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

We explore the emotional effects of implementing Facebook in an aged care facility and evaluate whether computers and Facebook are of any benefit in regard to an elderly person’s feeling of social connectedness. This preliminary qualitative study took place in a Melbourne-based elected Aged Care Facility. Facebook was accessed through desktop computers provided by the Facility. During a four month pilot project, six residents were supervised to learn how to competently Facebook. Findings indicate that older people are able to connect and learn the use of new technologies with which they may be unfamiliar. While high levels of user enjoyment were found, measures of social connectedness resulting from the use of Facebook use were inconclusive. The research con-cludes that when supported with appropriate teaching and technology, the use of computers to access Facebook is a practical approach in supporting the con-nectedness needs of the residents.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGroup Decision and Negotiation
Subtitle of host publicationTheory, Empirical Evidence, and Application - 16th International Conference, GDN 2016, Revised Selected Papers
EditorsDeepinder Bajwa, Sabine T. Koeszegi, Rudolf Vetschera
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages127-139
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)9783319526232
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Event16th International Conference on Group Decision and Negotiation, GDN 2016 - Bellingham, United States
Duration: 20 Jun 201624 Jun 2016

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Business Information Processing
Volume274

Conference

Conference16th International Conference on Group Decision and Negotiation, GDN 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBellingham
Period20/06/1624/06/16

Keywords

  • Connectedness
  • Elderly
  • Isolation
  • Social media

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Management Information Systems
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Business and International Management
  • Information Systems
  • Modelling and Simulation
  • Information Systems and Management

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