Togetherness in another way: Internet as a tool for togetherness in everyday occupations among older adults
Engelsk titel: Togetherness in another way: Internet as a tool for togetherness in everyday occupations among older adults
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Författare:
Nyman, Anneli
;
Isaksson, Gunilla
Email: anneli.nyman@ltu.se
Språk: Eng
Antal referenser: 31
Dokumenttyp:
Artikel
UI-nummer: 15105249
Sammanfattning
Objective: This article explores and describes how the Internet was experienced as a tool for togetherness in everyday
occupations among older adults. Methods: Discussions with 12 older adults, divided into three focus groups, generated data
that were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Six women and six men between 67 and 79 years of age were purposively
selected and recruited from a retirement organization in northern Sweden. Results: Findings reflect how online contexts
generated new possibilities for togetherness in everyday occupations and created a sense of belonging with others and to society
at large. However, togetherness through the Internet was also associated with ambiguity and uncertainty among older adults.
The Internet provided opportunities for togetherness that were somehow different from togetherness derived from face-to-face
contact, but it was also connected with a fear and a resistance. Conclusions: Findings from this research can extend our
understanding of how online contexts have the possibility to promote togetherness in everyday occupations and what it means
to be part of such a context among older adults. In light of these findings, the need is highlighted to consider the Internet as a
tool for older adults to be socially engaged with the potential to reduce loneliness and isolation.