Information and communications technology (ICT) is increasingly becoming central in the lives of older adults. Despite reports of technophobia, a discomfort or fear of modern technologies among older adults, there is growing literature that supports the benefits of ICT usage in later life. Research demonstrates that older adults with higher social technology use have better self-reported physical health and fewer chronic illnesses, as well as fewer symptoms of depression and a higher subjective well-being. Training older adults to use ICT effectively may be an appropriate intervention to combat and mitigate the negative impacts of social exclusion within the older adult population. In order to use ICT as a mean to meet the Grand Challenge of eradicating social isolation, scholars must first generate a more nuanced understanding of technology use among older adults and its influence in their lives. As such, this study seeks to generate a rich understanding of technology use, as told by an international sample of older adults using a qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS). This QIMS synthesizes nine studies, including a total of 219 participants. Findings include three overarching themes that describe older adults’ experiences engaging with technology: apprehension and barriers, social support, and community engagement. Discussion and recommendations for best practice with older adults and future research are included.
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