Pattern and Amount of Smartphone Usage Among Older Adults Living in Nonthaburi Province
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Abstract
The objectives of this research were to study the patterns, amount, and contextual factors associated with smartphone usage among older adults in Nonthaburi Province. This study employed a Mixed Methods Research design, combining a survey and qualitative research. Data were collected from a sample of 400 older adults, followed by purposive sampling of 30 key informants. The research instruments included a questionnaire with an Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) between 0.67 and 1.00 and an in-depth interview guide. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis based on pre-defined key themes.
The results revealed that smartphone usage patterns among older adults can be categorized into two primary groups: 1) The Smartphone-Control Group, characterized by proactive usage to fulfill instrumental needs for managing daily routines and transactions; and 2) The Smartphone-Dependent Group, characterized by reactive usage to fulfill affective needs, such as alleviating loneliness and building social connectivity. Regarding the contextual factors associated with usage patterns and amount, digital self-efficacy and living contexts—particularly living alone or lack of caregivers—acted as catalysts for self-reliance through smartphones. Additionally, older adults with high usage necessity employed compensatory adaptation mechanisms, such as font size adjustments and device settings, to maintain Active Ageing and social participation.
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