The lived experience of older people using assistive technology

Abstract

Purpose

Little is known about the lived experience of the older user of assistive technology. The aim of the investigation is to gain an appreciation of the experience of assistive technology (AT) in older people.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative phenomenology was conducted on individual interviews undertaken using a Husserlian phenomenological approach. The participants were six individuals, >65 years who all lived in supported housing.

Findings

Six key themes emerged from interviews: being unsure; being old; being a bother; being on my own; being neighbourly and being independent.

Social implications

Reactions to assistive technology are highly individualised and salient. In order to humanise the technology it is necessary to understand the person who is using it. Further research in this area is a priority as AT evolves and matures.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel insight into a neglected but important area of concern for older people.

Citation

McCaig, M., Waugh, A., Duffy, T. and Martin, C.R. (2012), "The lived experience of older people using assistive technology", Working with Older People, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 170-174. https://doi.org/10.1108/13663661211286693