Homebound older adults' experiences with the Internet and e-mail

Comput Nurs. 2001 Nov-Dec;19(6):257-63.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore homebound older adults' experiences with the Internet and e-mail employing the Dutch phenomenological approach. A sample of 5 homebound older adults was included. All participants were interviewed twice. Data were analyzed employing the technique recommended by Dutch phenomenologists. The analysis resulted in a total of 10 shared themes and a thick description of the homebound older adults' experiences with the Internet and e-mail. The findings indicated that all participants were faced with various challenges in learning the Internet and e-mail. Those difficulties, however, were overcome by continuous practice and support from various sources. Ultimately they found that the Internet and e-mail were excellent sources of support and enjoyment, resulting in an improved quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Attitude to Computers*
  • Baltimore
  • Computer Communication Networks / statistics & numerical data
  • Computer User Training
  • Data Collection
  • Frail Elderly / psychology*
  • Homebound Persons / education
  • Homebound Persons / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Information Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Quality of Life
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires