Using Everyday Technology Independently When Living withForgetfulness: Experiences of Older Adults inBarcelona

摘要

Older adults living with forgetfulness encounter difficulties whenengaging with changing and dynamic everyday technology (ET). Thecapability to use ET is important for independence in later life andis affected by the contextual and individual characteristics of olderadults. Using the capability approach as a theoretical lens, thisphenomenological study aims to explore the experiences of older adultsliving with forgetfulness, in order to identify contextual andindividual factors that facilitate the use of ET in everyday life. Aqualitative methodology was used to interview 16 community-dwellingolder adults participating in memory and technology workshops at localcommunity centres in Barcelona. Findings show that motivation andopenness to learning played a facilitating role in our participants’use of ET. The presence of social support in the form of “technologyexperts” and community centres offering learning opportunities werealso enhancing factors that encourage independence when engaging withET. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the importance of expandingintergenerational ET learning opportunities, through the creation ofage-friendly spaces.