Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Empowerment of senior citizens via the learning of information and communication technology
- Authors:
- WONG Yu-Cheung, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing International, 39(2), 2014, pp.144-162.
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Place of publication:
- New York
Most East Asian countries have policies to promote digital inclusion, especially among the children of low-income families and persons with disabilities, for the purposes of social development. However, such efforts and their impact among older people have been rather limited. In Hong Kong, only 7 % of those aged 65 or above were Internet users in 2008, compared with 66.7 % of the general public. Providing computer and Internet training programmes to older people is thus crucial in promoting digital inclusion. This paper discusses the experience and results of training older people to use both a computer and the Internet. Based on findings from an earlier qualitative study, the authors hypothesise that acquiring knowledge of computers and Internet use will have an empowering effect for older people in terms of increasing self-efficacy and enhancing communication with friends and family members. This paper presents two studies of such empowerment among older people in two non-governmental organisations (NGOs). While older people with little computer knowledge showed some effects of empowerment, at the same time, they also became more aware of the marginalisation and exclusion effects of their limited knowledge of computer and Internet usage. However, among users with some prior experience of using a computer, further training failed to show additional positive empowerment results. The results of the two studies call for a re-examination of the training process and experience of older people as well as integration of such training with other strategies to achieve better results in promoting their social inclusion in the information society (Edited publisher abstract)
To help and to learn: an exploratory study of peer tutors teaching older adults about technology
- Authors:
- FREDDOLINO Paul P., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Technology in Human Services, 28(4), October 2010, pp.217-239.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Computers and the internet are frequently mentioned as resources offering some potential to assist in dealing with the challenges of the cost of caring for an ageing population. However, the extent to which older adults and their caregivers can and will use computers varies widely. Hong Kong has a large number of older adults, aged 60 and above, who have never used computers. The Hong Kong Cyber Senior Network launched an initiative in 2007, called Lek Lek Lo C, aiming to train approximately 50 peer technology tutors each year to help older adults learn about information and communications technology. This article reports on a study of the scheme, which included focus group discussions with peer tutors and a questionnaire survey. It discusses their perceptions of preparation and training, benefits and challenges, and side effects on their lives, the perceived value of their work as tutors, and suggestions for personal and programme improvement. The results showed that tutors felt prepared for their roles, perceived considerably more benefits than challenges, saw value in their tutor work, and generally intended to continue working as tutors, but called for better logistical support in implementing the training classes for older adult students. An English translation of the primary survey used in the study is included in an appendix.
Investigating the role of internet self-efficacy in the elderly’s learning of ICT in Hong Kong, China: a two-part study
- Authors:
- LAM Jolie, LEE Matthew K. O.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Technology in Human Services, 25(1/2), 2007, pp.159-176.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study was conducted in collaboration with three non-governmental organisations, and is informed by a new theoretical model of the influence of Internet self-efficacy and outcome expectations on usage intentions and perceived user competence. In the first study 555 adults aged 50 and above attended basic and intermediate training on computer and Internet skills, and in the second 338 adults attended an advanced class. Questionnaire surveys and cognitive knowledge assessment tests followed the practice sessions on each course. Overall, the results gave strong support to the model hypotheses. The training had an impact on Internet self-efficacy and on outcome expectations, with participants gaining in confidence by the more advanced course. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Director of social services: 1993-1995 departmental report
- Author:
- STRACHAN Ian
- Publisher:
- Hong Kong. Department of Social Welfare
- Publication year:
- 1995
- Pagination:
- 84p.
- Place of publication:
- Hong Kong
Elderly care: a world perspective
- Editor:
- TOUT Ken
- Publisher:
- Chapman and Hall
- Publication year:
- 1993
- Pagination:
- 240p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- London
Contains examples of successful service provision for older people from 40 countries. The case studies are organised into the following sections: care at home; community support; empowerment; participation; fitness and well-being; income generation; environment; integrated services; mental health; training for elder care; organisation of services; and older women.