Recently, factors such as public health crises limiting direct contact, the migration of younger generations, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution necessitate that older persons (60+ years) access and use technology for connectivity and independence (Garfin, 2020; Ferreira & Carbonatto, 2023; Safodien, 2021). Older persons need appropriate attitudes, skills, and support to utilise technology. Unlike multiple studies in Asia (e.g., Chen & Chan, 2014) and two in Africa (Gathongo, 2019; Jarvis et al., 2020) specifically using the Senior Technology Acceptance Model (STAM), there is a hiatus in research comparing access, use, and acceptance of technology among older South Africans in residential care versus community settings. Hence, this study aims to compare the access, use and acceptance of technology among older persons in residential care and community settings to ultimately determine the implications for digital gerontological social work (DGSW).

 

The quantitative study used a two-phase indirect non-probability sampling method to recruit older persons in residential care (N=73) and community settings (N=149) across the Gauteng Province, South Africa. A cross-sectional survey design was used to compare access and use of technology adopting items from Geyer et al. (2019). Acceptance of technology was measured with STAM consisting of four constructs related to self-rated health contexts and abilities, and six constructs measuring technology acceptance and attitudes using a 10-point Likert scale (Chen & Chan, 2014). Validity and reliability were confirmed. The data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests for technology access and use comparison, and independent t-tests for comparing STAM constructs.

 

Older persons in residential care were on average 73.95 (SD=7.37) and in communities 73.79 (SD=6.75) years old; predominantly female; single (e.g., divorced, unmarried, widowed); and receiving a pension or social grant. A significant difference (p<0.05) was noted between the two groups' connection to the internet, albeit most connected with mobile data. In all instances, older persons in communities had significantly more access to devices (i.e., desktop/laptop computers, smartphones, and tablet/iPad). The use of 16 Internet platforms and applications was explored. In all instances, community-dwelling older persons used more applications than their peers in residential care. Significant differences were found in the use of e-mail, general searching, social media, online news, virtual calls, messaging, online banking, and online shopping. Both groups scored medium to high (>5.48) on health contexts and abilities, as well as acceptance and attitude towards technology. Significant differences were identified for social relationships, perceived usefulness of technology, perceived ease of use of technology, and facilitating conditions for using technology with higher scores among community-dwelling older persons.

 

From a developmental social work perspective (Lombard, 2019; Patel, 2015), this paper outlines recommendations for DGSW services to enhance technology access, use, and acceptance among South African older persons in residential care and communities. Recommendations include policy and legislative changes to bridge the digital divide, training older persons in technology use, and fostering positive attitudes towards technology to enable DGSW services through group and individual interventions.