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Use of Digital Tools, Social Isolation, and Lockdown in People 80 Years and Older Living at Home

Author

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  • Adèle Gauthier

    (“Pôle Personnes Âgées”, Geriatrics Internal Medicine Department, Hospital of Champmaillot, University Hospital, 21079 Dijon, France
    “Gérontopôle Pierre Pfitzenmeyer”, Hospital of Champmaillot, University Hospital, 21079 Dijon, France)

  • Cécile Lagarde

    (“Gérontopôle Pierre Pfitzenmeyer”, Hospital of Champmaillot, University Hospital, 21079 Dijon, France)

  • France Mourey

    (“Gérontopôle Pierre Pfitzenmeyer”, Hospital of Champmaillot, University Hospital, 21079 Dijon, France
    INSERM U-1093, Cognition, Action and Sensorimotor Plasticity, University of Burgundy Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France)

  • Patrick Manckoundia

    (“Pôle Personnes Âgées”, Geriatrics Internal Medicine Department, Hospital of Champmaillot, University Hospital, 21079 Dijon, France
    “Gérontopôle Pierre Pfitzenmeyer”, Hospital of Champmaillot, University Hospital, 21079 Dijon, France
    INSERM U-1093, Cognition, Action and Sensorimotor Plasticity, University of Burgundy Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France)

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis and associated lockdowns have exposed the extent of social isolation among older adults (OAs). Currently, the French government and medical, social, and charitable organizations are working to find means of limiting the multiple psychological and physical consequences of social isolation on the health of OAs. One proposal is to help the elderly become more comfortable using digital tools (DTs). However, the ability of DTs to reduce social isolation is disputed in the literature. This study aimed to collect the views of OAs on social isolation; to identify the determinants of the use or not of DTs, in particular in the context of a lockdown; and the role of DTs in the strategy to reduce social isolation. This qualitative study was based on 27 semi-structured individual interviews with OAs ≥ 80 years, in Côte-d’Or and Haute-Marne (French departments), from March to May 2021. A total of 96.3% of participants had already owned one or more DTs (mobile phone, tablet, or computer) for several years. The lockdown had not prompted the population to equip themselves more. The most common reason for using DTs was to maintain contact with relatives, and 63% of the participants said that DTs have a positive impact in reducing social isolation. However, there is a significant need for assistance and training in their use, especially since many services are now offered online. The participants suggested that the key to minimizing social isolation remained the maintenance of social contacts. In conclusion, DTs appear to be useful for helping the elderly maintain social links with relatives and, therefore, have a strategic place in the reduction of social isolation. However, these tools should not replace in-person interactions.

Suggested Citation

  • Adèle Gauthier & Cécile Lagarde & France Mourey & Patrick Manckoundia, 2022. "Use of Digital Tools, Social Isolation, and Lockdown in People 80 Years and Older Living at Home," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:5:p:2908-:d:762397
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Yongchuan Li & Raja Ariffin Raja Ghazilla & Salwa Hanim Abdul-Rashid, 2022. "QFD-Based Research on Sustainable User Experience Optimization Design of Smart Home Products for the Elderly: A Case Study of Smart Refrigerators," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-22, October.
    2. Chengmin Zhou & Fangfang Yuan & Ting Huang & Yurong Zhang & Jake Kaner, 2022. "The Impact of Interface Design Element Features on Task Performance in Older Adults: Evidence from Eye-Tracking and EEG Signals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-24, July.

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